Mansfield Courier 050624

SPECTACULAR:

Mansfield Junior Netball Club’s 13/U blue team with coach Nadia Gardner following their Kyabram tournament last weekend, a spectacular end to the team’s rep season. ■ Full netball report in sport.

Brakes put on car museum

DESPITE community excitement surrounding the proposed Mansfield Automotive Museum, the facility is under threat of not going ahead unless a resolution is brokered with the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (GBCMA).

It was July of 2023 that Nick Theodossi was granted planning approval from council for the construction of the museum.

The vision was bold: to construct a state-of-the-art two storey car museum on Dead Horse Lane that would serve not only as a tourist destination but also provide a much-needed conference space and educational facility.

However, the project is no

BY EMMA OLIVER eoliver@ nemedia.com.au

closer to a starting date after what has been a very long and frustrating year, with the project caught up in bureaucracy, pushed back and forth between council and the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority

“It has been exhausting, given the extensive duration this has been going on with no definite resolution,” said Mr Theodossi.

“At times I’ve considered just walking away from the project.

“However we are giving it one last go and I’m just hop-

ing we reach a resolution with the authority.”

The issue revolves around a small remnant stretch of designated waterway that lies on the 255 Dead Horse Lane property.

The waterway – albeit small – would once have snaked its way along the northerly side of the road.

Zoned for industrial and commercial land use, over the years the waterway has been piped and built over on surrounding blocks, until all that seems to remain is five to six metres of unbroken course on Mr Theodossi’s two acre block.

The GBCMA accepts that large parts of the designated waterway have been historically piped between

the Mansfield Whitfield Road and along Dead Horse Lane, using what the authority admits is something of a “piece-meal approach”.

At 255 Dead Horse Lane the waterway flows on to the property via piping and into existing piping before exiting the property, with only a short stretch exposed.

Over the past 20 years, no Works on Waterways permits have been issued for any section of Dead Horse Lane.

The GBCMA chose to overlook extensive historic disturbances and permit Mr Theodossi to pipe the entire waterway on his property.

However he was told he could not realign its course to allow for construction of

the museum.

“This is despite engineering reports finding that diverting the waterway would have no negative impact,” said Mr Theodossi.

According to the GBCMA “the proposed pipe must follow the general existing alignment of the waterway consistent with other piped sections of the waterway upstream of the proposed development”.

“In general, the GBCMA does not support the diversion of waterways to facilitate development, due to the potential impacts on river health, waterway stability and the waterway’s ability to carry flood flows,” said Chris Cumming, Chief Executive Of-

ficer, Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority.

Construction of the museum was reliant on the authority approving the realignment of the waterway, with entry and exit points to remain the same, and the waterway diverted on-site to allow for the building.

Mansfield Shire Council confirmed that after granting the planning permit, they had no further official role in the process.

“Only the GBCMA has the authority to issue permits for works on waterways,” said Melissa Crane, General Manager Investment and Planning, Mansfield Shire Council.

■ More on page 2

Brakes put on car museum

■ From front page

The GBCMA regulates works on waterways under the Water Act, 1989 and where appropriate, issues permits to construct works or undertake activities on a waterway.

Permits are required under the Water Act 1989 for all works within 30 metres of a designated waterway, which covers part of Mr Theodossi’s proposed development.

“Council recognises the importance of this development and is working to help bring the vision to life,” Ms Crane said.

“The automotive museum and neighbouring industrial lots stand to greatly benefit our community.

“Council continues to support the developer in discussions with the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority.”

It is through these discussions, that a potential lifeline has been thrown, with the authority recently indicating that it may consider an application to subvert the waterway.

However, Mr Theodossi is reluctant to progress any further with additional applications.

He has already spent tens of thousands of dollars on engineering drawings, permits and plans and the ongoing uncertainty continues to push out costs with no assurance that a permit will be granted.

“I’m just looking for that confirmation from the catchment authority that I do have their support before I expend large amounts of finances on extensive investigative works and additional applications,” he said.

“Otherwise there is no point in continuing.”

THE OFFENDING WATERWAY: The waterway runs through properties on Dead Horse Lane, and has largely been piped.

INDUSTRIAL ZONING: Behind the museum, 10 warehouses will be built.

DESTINATION: The Mansfield Automotive Museum will display 55 cars, showcasing an automotive history.

ALREADY COMPROMISED: The waterway is in less than pristine condition.

Rifle Butts Road set for upgrades

WORKS to 6.2 km of Rifle Butts Road will aim to address longstanding issues with dust, potholes and localised flooding, with Mansfield Shire Council awarding a $3.7 million construction contract during their May 21 meeting.

Mayor Cr Steve Rabie said the project demonstrated council’s commitment to improving the shire’s infrastructure and working with residents to reach the best outcomes.

“With the Rifle Butts Road becoming busier, we’re hearing increasing concerns from our community about the state of the road,” said Cr Rabie.

“These upgrades will take it from basically a one-lane dirt road to a two-lane sealed road with more and larger culverts.”

Nearly 40 residents attended two consultation workshops with council officers to contribute to the project’s design.

Cr Rabie acknowledged the importance of mature trees and native vegetation to the residents as well as their ecological value.

“We’ve taken great care to minimise the impacts on native vegetation and habitats,” he said.

“By following the path of the existing road as it winds between mature trees, we’ve been able to retain as many of them as possible.

CONTRACT AWARDED: Works to 6.2 km of Rifle Butts Road may begin as early as July and are expected to take sixth to seventh months to complete.

The project will be required to purchase native vegetation offsets.

“Thankfully, our environmental impact assessment confirmed that there are no threatened Ecological communities in the area that would be affected, meaning we can build all proposed sections of road,” said Cr Rabie.

Council said to further reduce the environmental impact while keeping the road safe, retain-

“At the consultation workshops residents unanimously requested a reduction in the speed limit to 60km/h - council is grateful to workshop attendees for their active contributions and feedback on the design for the upgraded road.”

ing walls, barriers and concrete kerbs will be used to narrow the overall space taken up by the road compared with alternatives.

The project will also include widening the major culvert at the north end of Rifle Butts Road to accommodate the two lanes.

Residents will have an opportunity to hear more about the project’s scope and construction approach and timing at a council-hosted meeting, planned for June 2024.

Works for the project may be-

gin as early as July and are expected to take sixth to seventh months to complete.

The Rifle Butts Road upgrade project is part of the IMPACT Route (Integrating Mansfield’s Productivity, Agricultural Communities and Tourism) project that is funded with $9.8 million from the Australian Government’s Remote Roads Upgrade Pilot Program, as well as council’s $2.5 million contribution, which includes $1.3m of development contributions.

T ER RY MILLER TERRY MILLER CONCR ET E CONCRETE TANKS

• All tanks are 2.26m (7’6”) in height

• All tanks walls are 130mm (5.2”) thick

• All foundations (tank floors) are 250mm (9.8”) thick

• Tanks are algae free

• Cool in summer

• Won’t blow away

quality local health care, managed locally (not from Shepparton or somewhere else) is important to you, then get informed & get active.

Attend the rally

Donate to the fighting fund

have donated $1000 so far)

THURSDAY:

FRIDAY:

Historian visits Jamieson and explores the past

VISITING Jamieson last week

South Australian couple Tracy and Andrew Zilm enjoyed the reunion with friends and the local terrain.

MONDAY: Cloudy

TUESDAY:

98

LAKE EILDON LEVELS

They stayed at the Jamieson caravan park and enjoyed walking the Island and the hills around town.

They marvelled at the changes in town, the development and the amazing lake vista as they drove through Corduroy Gap, where the grazing river side slopes are now under water.

A special date was lunch at the Jamieson Brewery, where they met owners Patricia and Cameron Storie.

Tracy and Andrew are in retirement and decided to come to Jamieson, while they were exploring the Kelly History and travel further north before the long drive home to document their adventure.

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ANDREW Zilm is a historian and works as a volunteer at the Historic German Lutheran village Lobethal where he was born.

He works as an Archivist at the Historical Museum and was keen to see the Jamieson and District Historical Society Museum.

Historical Society member Peter Horan organised a visit and was able to introduce Andrew to the historic courthouse and discuss the techniques for retrieval of historic family stories.

The number of requests by visitors to Jamieson for a relative, who’s name is all the information available, requires hours of diligent work.

LAST week the Jamieson CFA siren was sounded and the team answered the call.

Mansfield CFA were in attendance at a fire that had spread out of control on the Rifle Butts Road, near a housing estate.

The terrain was a challenge with fire travelling up the steep hillside.

Eventually the fire was brought under control and extinguished.

The regular burning of tree litter on properties in the area has seen similar fire outbreaks.

No property or persons were damaged or injured.

TWO Jamieson ladies Karen Alderson and Maree Rosier, are

walking the Camino at the moment.

They have walked 614Ks, with next week seeing the completion of the last 160Ks.

They have walked with challenging variety; one day they walked at 1500 metres in undulating terrain.

Both are fit and looking forward to completing their Dream Challenge and coming home to Jamieson.

JAMIESON primary school students enjoyed their last tennis lesson for the term and winter season; they will be looking forward to resuming their tennis in

term four as the weather warms up.

The teachers are enjoying the new open area, with the instillation of the new split systems recently.

Science lessons with Mrs Allen have been focusing on soil types, rocks and plants.

The students planted sprout seeds and have been tending the vegies; they were excited as the first tips broke through the surface.

The new basketball ring was used to play a game of Golden Child where the junior students have a chance of winning against the older students.

McMahon (SENIOR JOURNALIST)

JAMIESON ON THE LINE with Carmel Dixon

VISITING: Andrew Zilm, with Jamieson Brewery owners Patricia and Cameron Storie and Tracy Zilm. The Zilm’s were recently travelling through northern Victoria and stayed in Jamieson.

Refurbished Rec Reserve

MERTON Recreation Reserve

has a refurbished toilet block following recent works completed by council.

The project has seen the block repainted inside and out, as well as the installation of new Colourbond roofing, Laminex cubicles and doors and new sinks, taps, lights and flooring.

Mayor Cr Steve Rabie said that the upgrade responded to community concerns about the state of the toilet block.

“We have been listening to what our outlying communities are saying and this facility has been high on the priority list for Merton,” said Cr Rabie.

Council said the works, which were completed at a cost of $64,927, come with future costs savings in maintenance and repairs.

Margaret FitzGerald, Merton Recreation & Memorial Hall Reserves’ Chair spoke about the importance of the refurbishment for the reserve.

“We are delighted to see the completion of the newly refurbished toilets at the Recreation Reserve,” she said.

“This upgrade significantly enhances the facilities making them more comfortable and welcoming for our community and visitors.

“Council has consulted with community members on the project at the outset and as it has progressed, responding to our recommendations and needs.

“We are pleased with the commitment from council to the upgrading of our facilities in Merton; it boosts the community’s pride to be receiving this renewed installation.”

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Alarm bells for hospital

AS A long-time resident, I am seriously concerned about the future of the Mansfield District Hospital and its health and aged care services.

This well-managed, respected establishment is the central focus of our health and wellbeing, but is facing enforced amalgamation and radical changes that should ring alarm bells in our community.

As a volunteer, I have seen first-hand what happens behind the scenes of local health care.

I know how special it is.

The fact that we have 24 general practitioners who are prepared to fight to protect this extraordinary level of health service in a rural area is testament alone to the remarkable care options we have.

The Mansfield District Hospital is just one of three

Victorian rural public hospitals that is ISO-accredited.

This would be under threat with an amalgamated centralised board that would demand “standardisation”, resulting in downgrading of service and quality that has been built over many years of good management.

Proposed ‘reforms’ to cut costs in the state government budget suggest Mansfield would come under direct management of Hume, based in Shepparton.

This could lead to the removal of the hospital board (with all its expertise and local knowledge) as well as staff cuts.

With remote administration, it will be impossible to respond adequately to local health care needs and innovations.

Community ownership and pride will be depleted as well as donations and bequests.

It is hard to believe that that any more amalgamation of hospital services would proceed in rural areas when the

SAVINGS: Council said the works, which were completed at a cost of $64,927, come with future costs savings in maintenance and repairs.

prototype model of Grampians Health, created in 2021, has already experienced serious problems and has been named as the worst performing financial health region in the state.

The Northern Grampians Shire Council has passed a vote of no confidence and high staff turnover persists along with difficulty in retaining and attracting doctors.

The Mansfield Hospital is one of our biggest employers in Mansfield, attracting workers with specialised skills.

It is ironical that the Health Minister claimed the review was essential to “bring the very best health care, closer to home, for Victorian patients, wherever they live,” when management is being centralised well away from communities with few existing links.

This isn’t the first time that the Mansfield Hospital has been threatened by takeover.

Under another government in a time of amalgamations,

there was a move for Benalla to ‘manage and take over’ administration of our hospital.

Fortunately, the community ramped up and commonsense prevailed.

The government accepted that radical amalgamations of essential services don’t always translate efficiently and effectively in rural areas.

The Mansfield Hospital is probably our most valued community asset.

We need to support it.

The best we can do is to join with our GPs on June 15 to share their concerns and sign the petition.

The words of an older patient who had returned to Mansfield Hospital for recovery after being at a regional hospital say it all.

When I asked her how she was feeling, she responded with a smile: “I’ve come home to paradise.”

Joan Tehan Mansfield

THE Merton Recreation and Memorial Hall Reserves committee have been honored with a recognition award from the Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Action. This prestigious award recognises efforts in managing and maintaining community spaces, ensuring they remain welcoming and functional for all.

“The award appreciates the hard work and dedication of our committee, volunteers, and supporters who tirelessly contribute their time and energy to keep our facilities in top condition,” said Margaret FitzGerald, committee chair.

“From organising community events to overseeing upgrades and improvements, every effort has played a crucial role in earning this recognition.”

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

My flabber is gasted

The proposal of amalgamation may be a very dangerous decision for our shire.

We are 3844sq km, Tolmie to Matlock, Buller to Merton.

There are 10,500 plus residents and a growth of over two per cent.

This decision will affect all of us.

Consider the health of our community.

Skiing accidents on Buller, water-based accidents on rivers and lakes.

Bush walkers, hikers and climbers.

Trail and dirt bikers.

Horse riders and the influx of tourists during holidays, which are notoriously burdened by our limited services.

Not to mention regular procedures.

We need a hospital with more beds for our expanding population.

We need a hospital with a functional x ray 24/7.

We need an MRI.

We need a CT scanner.

Travel is critical in an emergency; I thought that an increase in population was

relative to revenue.

I really do think there are poor decisions, bad decisions and wrong decisions.

Sonia Dioguardi Boorolite

Subterfuge and gag orders

THIS is how the state government has decided to go about amalgamating the Mansfield District Hospital with a larger regional hospital, probably Goulburn Valley Health.

Their secretive negotiations, that have now been exposed, show no respect for the CEO, doctors, nurses and ancillary staff who are at the coal face and know what is required locally to serve this district’s health needs.

No respect for members of the board of management who bring broad expertise, diversity of perspective, and local knowledge to the organisation, to help ensure that it provides the best possible service.

No respect for our community by not seeking the opinions of service users and the many volunteers who help raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for

LETTERS to the editor must be signed with the full name, address and contact telephone number of the author

Letters under

and

reserve the

words are

much needed equipment, and who work on community health programs.

Mansfield district’s health needs will not be adequately managed by a larger distant health provider who historically we have had little relationship with.

Apparently, democracy is dead within our state government.

They will discover that it is not dead in the Mansfield community.

Leanne Robson

Former MDH Board Member Goughs Bay

Meaningful conversations

THROUGH the Courier our hard pressed local GPs have expressed grave concern for the future of our local hospital, Buckland House, Bindaree and related medical services.

They properly praise these, referring to the local board, our devoted and abused patient assistance staff, A and E facilities, the invaluable GPs servicing all of us, their wonderful staff and the out of town specialists avail-

able via their practices.

One, perhaps the most important, is not properly represented - hospital patients, Buckland residents and Bindaree’s, too. There are NEVER meaningful conversations between us and board members or the hospital executives.

Entirely inappropriate farcical ‘surveys’ are misrepresented to the board and others as proof of our satisfaction.

Board members rarely if ever visit for meaningful direct dealing with Resident Activists (RAs) so most of us beg to differ. We and frontline staff are refused direct representation at board meetings.

Not good enough.

Board members won’t listen to our concerns as they say that would represent a conflict of interests.

Whose interests are they protecting if not ours?

RAs need our current medical services maintained and improved.

Everyone in Mansfield is in the same sinking boat.

Best wishes to our GPs in all their efforts.

to edit letters to fit in with space requirements. Nom de plumes will only be published at the editor’s discretion. Opinions expressed are not necessarily shared by the Courier.

Jim Blundell Bindaree Resident Mansfield

Hands off our hospital

I BELIEVE the Minister for Health is considering wideranging reforms to the Victorian health system under the guise of fiscal accountability.

Those reforms include the amalgamation of numerous local health services and their governing boards into a limited number of regional services.

I understand that health service board members and executives are unable to comment.

However, as a former Mansfield District Hospital Board Member and Chair, I can.

First, local boards and their finance and audit committees, working closely with CEOs and senior executives, focus constantly and in depth on the financial viability of their services.

How an amalgamated regional board would have the time, capacity or understanding of local needs to carry out that vital responsibility is beyond me.

Second, the minister believes amalgamation of health services will (to use language better suited to the ABC’s Utopia) “drive the focus onto frontline services”.

Hello, that’s what community based health services and their boards do.

From neonatal advice to palliative care, all of our health service’s work is already on the front line.

Third, the minister states the system needs to be organized to deliver the very best health care “closer to home, for Victorian patients where they live”.

That’s exactly what our hospital and its associated services already does, in collaboration with local GP practices and visiting specialist services.

How will a distant regional board fully understand and give due consideration to Mansfield community’s needs?

Fourth, in my experience our local board is extremely busy dealing with oversight and delivery of key clinical, pastoral, facilities, financial and human relations priorities.

How would a regional board and regional CEO effectively manage that for all the local services brought into its remit?

Amalgamation of services

appears sensible in theory.

In practice it usually creates complicated and expensive administration, unwieldy communication systems, time wasting committee work, lack of proper understanding of community issues, and general dissatisfaction and loss of independent drive, problem solving ability and philanthropy at the local level.

Remember Shire amalgamations not so long ago…and the difficulty of ultimately reversing them.

Health care board members are appointed by the Governor in council on the recommendation of the Minister for Health after a rigorous selection process giving due regard to maintaining a balance of specialist skills and experience on the board.

There is particular focus on clinical and corporate governance, financial management, law, patient experience, and strategic leadership including executive management. Furthermore, almost all board directors are local community members, offering their time voluntarily and deeply conscious of community needs.

What a shame if with the dissolution of the board the community loses that thoughtful and widely experienced human resource.

Mansfield District Hospital Board has worked closely with senior executives and our superb local medical practices to offer and extend services benefiting the community.

The independence of vision, strategy, governance and accountability of our community’s hospital board, CEO and senior executives would be lost in amalgamation.

We must not let that happen.

Jeremy Madin. Merrijig

Deeply concerned

IT IS with deep concern that I read in last week’s Mansfield Courier of the grave threat of the Mansfield Hospital being amalgamated with the Shepparton Health complex.

In layman’s terms this would certainly mean the absorption of our proud hospital, which I have no doubt would result in a lowering of health standards for our district.

The hospital that we know and value is the result of 150 years of community toil and support.

It serves one of the biggest shires in Victoria with outlying areas of Woods point, Mt Buller, Bonnie Doon and many small settlements in between.

The size of this shire would make it almost impossible to administer from yet another 60 or 70km outside its boundaries.

An aspect of the work of this hospital is the enormous influx of visitors in the shire during weekends and holidays together with the influx of visitors to Mt Buller and the ski areas in winter.

It has to be realised that most of these visitors are occupied with dangerous pursuits during these visits resulting in many accidents.

Here I am referring to activities such as snow skiing, water sports, horse and motor bike riding, hiking in remote areas as well as the normal activities where people can be injured.

It is very apparent when talking to people about our wonderful shire, that one of the most important considerations and praise is directed towards the hospital.

It is generally considered that one of the great features

of the district is that we have a well-run hospital where patients are well cared for by a great staff

Why would any thinking government want to interrupt and risk the wellbeing of this great medical facility and the support it has given to the whole community over such a long period.

I would encourage everyone in this shire to support the hospital community and the medical professionals who look after us by signing petitions, contacting their political representatives and where possible encourage the press to support our cause.

It is absolutely critical that the hospital grows and prospers in step with the expansion of the shires population and this should be left in the hands of the Mansfield committee and community.

David Yencken Mansfield

The fight is on again

ONLY this time it’s because of a clear state government intention to strip us of 150 years of local direction and

effective management of our Mansfield District Hospital, through an ‘amalgamation’ within some distant but larger regional structure, probably Shepparton.

How has this happened?

In secrecy, with the board and staff apparently gagged from making public comments.

Why?

So we remained unaware of this plan until it was too late to rise up against it, or at least have a chance to discuss the issues.

We have a damn good hospital, an excellent board providing strategic direction to meet our needs and the best people at the coal face delivering it, working in harmony with our GPs and other healthcare providers.

They are all locals.

They and their families need to know you will stand up for them and their jobs.

They know what this community needs and expects regarding health care.

Think about the potential impact on our people in Bindaree and Buckland House.

So what next ?

Our GPs have already stood straight up, as seen in last week’s Courier.

There is a very slim chance that if we stand with them and publicly demonstrate our concern and importantly sign a petition to parliament, we can put a brake on this and have input to a better outcome.

The public meeting at 11:00am on June 15 will be the test.

If you want to continue to have Mansfield District Hospital (MDH) locally run and operated to meet the needs of your families, bring them all, plus your interest group, neighbours and every other local you know. We need to show up, listen to the facts and sign that petition so that it can be presented and dealt with in parliament.

The fight has just started. In case you’re wondering why I’m so angry, I’m a past President of the MDH board, and a life governor of MDH, plus over 13 years working at the Queen Victoria Medical Centre, Monash Medical Centre and administering Moorabbin Hospital, so I just might know a thing or two about hospitals.

This government plan is bad news all round.

WHAT A CATCH: Toby Evans playing ball in Woodfield. PHOTO: Emmeline Evans.

A LUNAR NIGHT: The moon peeps behind St Andrew’s church one night in April. PHOTO: Rhonda Carpenter.

Peter Howarth Merrijig

THE forced transfer of a small number of pregnant women to Wangaratta District Base Hospital to give birth has been defended by Mansfield District Hospital chief executive officer Greg Wilder.

Mr Wilder said the hospital’s commitment to obstetric services was as strong as ever, with the transfers due simply to the variable and unpredictable nature of the hospital’s workload and con-

Way

Back Wednesday - a look back at what was making news 20 years ago this week.

sequent demands on staff and resources.

“What we’re trying to do is let people know we can’t guarantee services 365 days a year, though we will try,” he said.

“It’s not a reduction of resources in any way - the reason is a shortage of staff.”

IN SPORT, a rampaging Mansfield outfit bounced back from last week’s defeat to Tatura to notch up a thump-

ing 103 point win at home on Saturday.

Coach David Mensch admitted he had held fears over his side’s sharpness after last week’s draining loss, saying his charges had appeared flat on Tuesday night.

And while the spirit had returned somewhat by Thursday, injuries to key personnel in Josh Walker, Justin Hotton and Ben Murphy had been a cause for concern.

HOSPITAL STILL CARES: Mansfield District Hospital chief executive officer Greg Wilder spoke about why a small number of pregnant women were transferred to Wangaratta’s District Base Hospital due the variable and unpredictable nature of Mansfield Hospital’s workload, demands on staff and resources.

The upcoming scheduled Council meeting is Tuesday 25 June 2024 at 5pm and will be held both online and in person at the Council Chambers, 33 Highett Street, Mansfield. Go to the events section on our website for more information about how to observe the meeting or contact Customer Service on 5775 8555.

Council's municipal office at 33 Highett Street, Mansfield, is open from 8.30am-4.30pm, Monday to Friday.

Council currently has the following employment opportunities available. For full details visit Council's website mansfield.vic.gov.au

Maternal & Child Health Nurse

Planning Support Officer

People & Culture Trainee

Community members are invited to consider and comment on the Proposed 2024-25 Budget. The budget outlines what Council will deliver over the next 12 months including new initiatives and core services and how they will be funded. The 2024-25 budget proposes a 2.25% rate increase, which is lower than the State Government Rate Cap of 2.75% with a total operating expenditure of $23.5 million and a $18.75 million Capital Works Program.

You can view the Proposed 2024-25 Budget on engage.mansfield.vic.gov.au.

Community members are invited to provide feedback on the Draft Municipal Early Years Plan (MEYP). The MEYP lays out our community’s vision and priorities for a child-friendly community for every child in the Shire. The MEYP supports the delivery of local policies, programs and infrastructure important to the health, education and wellbeing of our younger population and their families.

You can view the Draft Municipal Early Years Plan on engage.mansfield.vic.gov.au.

Council’s Road Management Plan is currently out for public submission. The Plan details the standards in relation to, and priorities to be given to, the inspection, maintenance and repairs of roads, road related infrastructure and pathways to which RMP applies. Any person wanting to make a written submission on the proposed amendment must do so before . Submissions should be sent to council@mansfield.vic.gov.au

During June, properties in Mansfield will receive their green bin for Food Organics and Garden Organics. The collection service starts in the first week of July so please refrain from filling up your bin until then as the smell might prompt some less than pleasant reviews from your neighbours!

Your green bin will be collected each fortnight, alternating weeks with the yellow bin. Your red bin will still be picked up every week.

The new green bin is changing recycling for the better and will help to reduce landfill costs for our ratepayers.

For more information on this initiative visit Council’s website mansfield.vic.gov.au/FOGO

Mt Buller Service Road is scheduled to be resealed from 11 -12 June. As well as renewing the road surface, the works will provide a watertight connection with the surface of the newly added parking lane. Traffic management will be in place during works.

mansfield.vic.gov.au

Kirsten Alexander, Chief Executive Officer

: Cr Steve Rabie (Mayor), Cr Mark Holcombe (Deputy Mayor), Cr Paul Sladdin, Cr James Tehan, Cr Rohan Webb

EAGLES BOUNCE BACK : The Mansfield Eagles senior team bounced back from last weeks defeat to Tatura with a 103 point win on Saturday.

Haines works to improve outcomes

INDI Independent federal

MP Helen Haines will move a series of amendments to the government’s Net Zero Economy Authority Bill to expand its remit to offer tangible benefits to communities and earn social licence for the clean energy shift in regional, rural and remote communities.

The bill seeks to ensure communities are supported and benefit from the transition to a net zero emissions economy.

But Dr Haines said it won’t fully deliver this objective in its current form and has put forward 18 amendments to improve the bill for regional communities.

“While I support what the Net Zero Economy Authority Bill aims to achieve, it fails to clearly set out how it will benefit regional and rural communities, particularly those that have never experienced energy generation and storage before,” she said.

“It is important to support communities transitioning away from coal and gas.

“However, the bill fails to address the challenges of other regional communities, like the ones I represent in Indi, who have never hosted coal-fired or gas-fired power stations that now find themselves on the frontline of the nation’s shift to renewables.

“The authority must direct its work into all communities experiencing renewable energy development, not just those facing coal-

powered station closures.”

Dr Haines said her amendments address deficits in the bill by establishing measures to maximise local benefits for communities impacted by renewable energy projects.

The amendments include ensuring at least one authority board member has expertise in regional development and community leadership; and expanding the functions of the authority to: enhance community wellbeing in regions impacted by the energy transition; set up a Developer Rating Scheme; undertake Community Benefit Plans; and establish Local Energy Hubs through which the NZEA can help communities to maximise beneficial outcomes and promote community investment.

“These amendments would offer regional people tangible, practical measures such as reduced power bills and investment opportunities in projects by helping them understand the benefits of hosting renewable energy projects in their community,” Dr Haines said.

“Regional communities need to feel informed about developments happening at their farm gate, they deserve transparency from governments and developers, and they need to know where they can go for reliable information about Australia’s energy transformation.”

The creation of Local Energy Hubs was part of Dr

Haines’ Local Power Plan that was co-designed with community energy groups and tabled in Federal Parliament in 2020.

The hubs would support regional towns and organisations to develop renewable energy project models that benefit their communities and provide information and clarification to local people about how the transformation will impact them.

“The creation of a network of Local Energy Hubs would create avenues for local participation in the energy transformation and assist in obtaining the social licence needed to achieve our decarbonisation goals, while delivering long-term regional development,” Dr Haines said.

Meadow Creek (near Wangaratta) and Dederang (near Mt Beauty) are two communities in Dr Haines’ electorate of Indi where renewable energy storage and generation projects are raising community concerns.

“The shift to renewables is being strongly felt across regional and rural communities who sense this shift is happening to them, rather than with them,” she said.

“Community-led, co-designed projects will always deliver better results for local people.

“The federal government has an opportunity and responsibility to support all regional communities involved in the energy transition.”

FAIRER SHARE: Helen Haines (MHR, Indi) wants a fairer share for regional communities.

30th RSPCA Million Paws Walk

By TRINITY KNIGHT

SUNDAY May 26 was the 30th anniversary of the Million Paws Walk which is an annual fundraising event that runs within a number of towns across Australia.

Despite frosty autumn conditions, there was a great turnout at Mansfield’s Botanic Park with 35 people walking their pups, poodles and groodles for three kilometres to raise awareness and vital funds in the fight to prevent animal cruelty.

Veterinarian Dr Sally Rekers said the Mansfield Veterinary Clinic has been facilitating this event for over ten years at Mansfield’s Botanic Park.

“Last year’s walk was bucketing down with rain, but thankfully this year, all of the dogs were well behaved, and the sunny weather was absolutely fabulous,” she said.

“This walk raises a lot of money for the Royal Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) and the amazing work that they do for the welfare of animals.”

In 2023, a combined total from all of the walks across Australia raised $1,379,633 which was enough to care for 5474 dogs in their shelters for an entire week.

RSPCA inspector team leader North East, Michelle

Green said it was her first time attending a Million Paws walk in Mansfield.

“There are seven walks across regional as well as metro Victoria,” she said.

“The RSPCA is the largest animal welfare organisation in Victoria and without fundraising we wouldn’t be able to do the work that we do, so it’s really important that

we run these walks, so that we can go out, investigate animal cruelty and save animal’s lives.

Ms Green said the walk is one of the RSPCA’s biggest fundraising events.

“I would like to thank all of the members of the Mansfield community who participated,” she said.

“Their support is vital.”

BARKIN’ GOOD BITES: Jordan Gilmore and Gemma Gilmore were selling an assortment of dog treats.

PAWSOME TURNOUT: 35 Mansfield locals walked their dogs for three kilometres raising awareness about animal welfare.

FRIENDS FURR LIFE: Mansfield local Taela Vaughan walked her puppy Milo last Sunday.

PHOTO: Hannah Kennelly

MILLION PAWS WALK TURNS 30: On Sunday May 26, 35 people walked their pups at Mansfield’s Botanic Park to raise vital funds in the fight against animal cruelty.

PHOTO: Trinity Knight

Part of Mansfield’s history

By JOAN TEHAN

MY link to Sergeant Michael Kennedy dates back to his daughter Rose who was my mother’s godmother.

My grandparents, David and Catherine Hickey came to Mansfield in the early 1900s when Dave was appointed here as a mounted police constable.

The Kennedy family were very supportive of my grandparents, especially after they lost their first child from pneumonia at three weeks of age.

A year later my mother, Maxine, was born.

At the age of four months she was carried in the arms of her mother for an arduous trip by horse and cart to Whitfield where Dave was assigned to take charge of the police station there, not far from Stringybark Creek.

Rose Kennedy gave my mother the police spurs that Sergeant Kennedy was wearing and the leather valise he had on his horse on that last fateful trip to Stringybark Creek.

Following my marriage and move from Melbourne to Mansfield in 1966, my mother gave the items to me as she believed they belonged in Mansfield where Sgt Kennedy was so loved and respected.

Sadly, my mother, Maxine Dunin, died suddenly of a heart attack a few years later in 1970 at the age of 62, the night before she was due to come up for a visit to Mansfield, specifically to visit the site of Sgt Kennedy’s grave and that of her infant sister, Mary.

The spurs and valise will be gifted to The Mansfield Historical Society for display in the Mansfield Museum. Interestingly, in that same year, we purchased the Mansfield Courier newspaper and printery business

with the Stoney and Adamson families.

This meant we inherited a museum-like collection of equipment, memorabilia and artefacts dating back more than a century.

When the centenary of the tragedy at Stringybark Creek was commemorated in 1978, we were able to delve into the Courier archive to reprint historic items such as The Mansfield Guardian of November 2, 1878, which recounted the sad story of the three policemen’s killing and the recovery of their bodies.

FAMILY HEIRLOOM:

Alongside a leather valise that belonged to Sgt Michael Kennedy, Joan Tehan entrusted a pair of historicallysignificant spurs to the Mansfield Historical Society.

The Mansfield Historical Society was thrilled to receive a leather valise and pair of spurs - both of historical significance - to add to the collection.

Joan Tehan entrusted the society with these family heirlooms, which had been given to her grandparents, and belonged to the late Sgt Michael Kennedy.

Sgt Michael Kennedy was one of three local policemen ambushed and killed at Stringybark Creek by Ned Kelly and his gang.

The artefacts will be on display in the new Mansfield Heritage Museum, when it opens.

Copies of that publication are still available through the Mansfield Historical Society which has gradually been gifted most of the memorabilia, documents, publications and equipment associated with the Courier business by the Tehan and Stoney families.

The business was finally sold in 2000 by the Tony and

Joan Tehan to Hartley Higgins, independent proprietor of North East Newspapers.

After nearly 30 years as publisher of The Mansfield Courier, I had put down deep roots into a community I had come to love and care for.

It was also my mother’s birthplace.

As caretakers of Courier memorabilia, the Stoney

and Tehan families also developed immense respect for the work the Mansfield Historical Society has done in preserving and fostering that heritage.

The society has been a generous and caring partner in taking on the Courier collection which played a major role in telling Mansfield’s story since 1885.

HANDS OFF OUR HOSPITAL! NO AMALGAMATIONS

LOCAL SIGNIFICANCE: Mansfield

Heritage Museum curator Ann Ware received the historical artefacts from Joan Tehan.

THE Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, has urged small, family and farming businesses to make sure they are not caught out by the 3G switch-off happening in August and September.

“The 3G switch-off will affect more than just your mobile phone signal,” Mr Billson said.

“It could affect EFTPOS terminals, security systems and cameras, scanners, industrial routers, tablets, smart watches, asset tracking tools, surveying instrument, water and environmental monitoring and many of the wireless operating systems on farms.

“Even some 4G-enabled devices have aspects that are powered by 3G, but users may not realise until they stop working, so it makes sense to have those checked as well.

“It is vital small, family and farming businesses take action urgently to find out if they will be affected and if so, upgrade their technology before business-harming disconnection and technology dysfunction is the first they learn about it.”

Mr Billson said small businesses should contact their telecommunications provider or device manufacturer to confirm if a device will be affected.

“But beware of scams and

only contact mobile providers using trusted information and links,” he said.

Telstra recently announced that it will delay its 3G network switch off until August 31 2024.

Optus is planning to switch off its 3G network from September 1 2024.

TPG Telecom/Vodafone has already switched off its 3G network.

Those on the Telstra or Optus network can text “3” to the number 3498 and will receive a response whether that device is affected.

For more information:

Telstra Visit: www.telstra.com.au/ support/mobiles-devices/3gclosure Call:13 22 00

Optus Visit: www.optus.com.au/3g Call: 133 937

Vodafone/TPG Telecom Visit: https://www.vodafone. com.au/support/network/3gclosure

The Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association also has information at www.3gclosure.com. au and a fact sheet https:// amta.org.au/wp-content/ uploads/2024/05/3G-ClosureFact-Sheet-new.pdf.

Mansfield artists on display in Melbourne

TAKING their talent to the big city, a group of Mansfield creatives puts the region on show, with the shire celebrated through a variety of mediums.

“Mansfield,” a captivating group exhibition highlighting artists from the region, opens officially on June 14 at prominent Melbourne gallery RED Gallery.

The exhibition brings together a diverse collection of work, with each piece reflect-

ing the unique perspectives and artistic journeys of local creators.

From vibrant paintings and intricate sculptures to evocative still life photographs and innovative mixed media pieces, “Mansfield” celebrates the rich cultural tapestry and the natural beauty of Mansfield.

“We are inviting the viewer to join us as we explore the profound connections between art, community, and

THE LIFE STORY OF ANNE FRANK EXHIBITION

This remarkable exhibition takes you through Anne Frank’s personal story, her joyful childhood in Frankfurt, her immigration to Amsterdam, and her life in hiding. The exhibition also sheds light on the rise of the national socialists, the Holocaust, and the impact of anti-Jewish measures on individuals like Anne Frank. It is suitable for the whole family.

the environment, and witness the extraordinary creativity that flourishes in the Mansfield region,” said Wendy Jagger, artist.

The group includes established artists as well as talented emerging artists from the district and surrounding areas.

They are Wendy Jagger, Fiona Wood, Felicity Hayward, Gino Ciancio, Judy Ciancio, Clarissa Leatham,

Held at RED Gallery,157 St

Road, Fitzroy North, from June 12 to 23.

The official opening is on Friday June 14 at 6pm. All are invited, with drinks available from the bar.

Many of the Mansfieldbased artists will be at the opening, so come along and discover their work.

PAINTING: Judy CiancioOn the Delatite bend. OILS: Wendy Jagger - Heading Home.

Tony Pridham, Anne Slater, Pam Sumpter, and Amanda Swaney.

Georges

POTTERY: Clarissa Leatham will be exhibiting her hand-carved ceramics.

PHOTOGRAPHY: Amanda SwaneyMorandi Vases and white roses.

Kinder kids enjoy autumn Lantern Festival

SUCCESSFUL DUO: Trainer Gary White and his dog at the sheep yard.

Working dogs program a hit for rural connections

WORKING dog training school sessions held earlier this month saw farmers and other dog owners come together over two days to learn, connect and build a new rural skill.

The sessions were hosted by the Delatite Station, organised by Australian Red Cross and supported by Mansfield Shire Council.

Sixteen participants came along with their canine companions, some with working experience and some dogs who had never seen a sheep before.

They were joined by several interested spectators.

By SANDI VALERIO

CHILDREN at Mansfield Steiner Morning Star Kindergarten recently enjoyed their autumn Lantern Festival.

Festivals are an integral part of Steiner education, beginning in the foundation years and continuing through the primary years and beyond.

Each year, the children make lanterns from original paintings they have created, in hues of gold and orange, representing the falling leaves and the flames of the fire that light up the lanterns.

The morning of the festival was abuzz with excitement.

Families helped cook pots of soup in the Kinder kitchen and children made twisted woollen handles to finish the lanterns.

Pumpkins were carved into ‘Jack-o’-lanterns’ by the teachers then final touches were made to their gnome hats as busy hands created woolen tassels to hang on them.

Fairy lights were hung around the garden to light up the night.

As the families arrived, the fire was ablaze.

Everyone gathered in a circle and the children sung autumn songs they had practiced for weeks.

Soup was served, followed by a puppet story that the children watched while the parents lit the lanterns.

At last, the lantern walk began.

Everyone walked along a path carrying their lanterns and singing, ‘I go for a walk with my lantern.’

The night finished with songs around the fire, accompanied by the music teacher’s guitar.

HUES: Children at Morning Star Kindergarten made lanterns from original paintings they had created.

Experienced trainer Gary White began with a talk on the essentials before introducing each participant and their working dog to the sheep yard in turns.

With rake in hand to guide the animals, participants got down to work with their furry partners to move and control the sheep.

Dogs that were nervous at first soon got the hang of it and excitedly joined in the work.

A few sheep escaped, but luckily plenty of eager dogs were on hand to round them up.

The event is one of several recently delivered by Australian Red Cross as part of council’s resilience benchmarking project.

The project aims to promote greater connections in small communities, improving their mental health and resilience and creating support networks that can self-activate in times of emergency or crisis.

The working dog training school sessions were also sponsored by the Mansfield Social Inclusion Action Group, a community-led initiative dedicated to improving social connection, mental health and wellbeing.

Mayor Cr Steve Rabie was thrilled to see farmers and other dog owners getting involved.

“We’re so pleased to see activities like this helping to build those important connections in our community,” he said.

“Nobody knows our communities like the community members themselves, which is why we give them opportunities and support to take charge of matters that affect them.

“Hopefully we can bring it back again and make it even bigger.”

AUBURN

AUTUMN LANTERN FESTIVAL: Mansfield Steiner celebrated the change of the season at the autumn lantern festival. (from left) Winifred Roche, Elizabeth Metcalfe and Claudia Sullivan.

PHOTOS: Nicky Sanders

Social Scrabble club for sharp minds

By TRINITY KNIGHT

MANSFIELD local Sylvia

Ash moved from the Bellarine Peninsula to Mansfield in February 2017 and started the Scrabble club that March.

“I wanted to get into the community, but I also knew that a lot of people were lonely,” Sylvia said.

“I thought if you start something like this you get people together with the same interests and make friends.”

Up to ten people meet every Wednesday at the Mansfield Library from 10am to play scrabble together.

Sylvia said Scrabble is not only about learning new words, but more about keeping the brain active, because as you get older you need to keep your mind go-

ing as well as your body.

“I really enjoy doing the general knowledge crosswords,” she said.

“I like to try and make a word as long as I can, because it makes the game go for longer.

“If you’re just doing three or four letter words, you find that it makes the game short and very difficult to play.”

Sylvia said anyone can

come down and play, no matter the age.

“We have younger people from time to time especially when people come and visit family,” she said.

“We also have jigsaws which people can come and borrow when they like.”

Mansfield’s Scrabble Club meets every Wednesday at 10am.

All are welcome.

Don’t dump stuff in the bush

THROUGHOUT autumn and winter many people are coming to the high country bushland to enjoy the environment, but EPA Victoria says some people are just using it as a dumping spot for their rubbish: plastic bags, car boot loads and even industrial skip bins full of it.

EPA is asking every Victorian who loves the bush to store the EPA hotline number 1300 EPA VIC (1300 372 842) in their mobile phone and report any dumped rubbish they find.

EPA’s Northeast Regional Manager Ben Kneebone says anyone camping, mountain biking, hiking or just having a barbecue in the bush can do their bit for the environment.

“Give us a prompt report and an accurate location of the dump site, and you are giving EPA a better chance of tracking down the culprit and making them pay the price,” Mr Kneebone said.

“Taking a photo can help, too.

“With these simple measures, you can make sure your favourite spot in the bush doesn’t turn into a stinking, illegal tip.”

Loads of waste dumped in the bush often include construction and demolition waste, hazardous materials like asbestos and rotting household rubbish.

EPA said cleaning up abandoned waste costs the state government and local councils millions of dollars every year, and many of EPA’s prosecutions in court are for illegal waste dumping.

EPA can issue regulatory notices and fines that start at more than $9000 and can go well into the hundreds of thousands if the case goes to court.

The court can also order the culprit to pay for the clean-up, which can cost even more than the fines.

And cases involving small items of litter can be reported to your local council.

“Illegal dumping creates

an eyesore and can contaminate the soil and nearby waterways, and if the culprits get away with it, the cost of the clean-up is too often left to the community or landholders,” Mr Kneebone said.

Members of the public can report pollution by calling EPA’s 24-hour hotline on 1300 372 842 or providing details online at epa.vic.gov.au/ report-pollution/reportingpollution.

Benalla police seize over 11,000 packets of smokes

BENALLA police arrested a man and seized cigarettes, vapes and more than $16,000 in cash in Benalla last Wednesday.

Benalla Neighbourhood Policing Unit officers and Benalla Crime Investigation Unit detectives executed a search warrant at an address on Bridge Street East about 3.40pm. More than 11,000 packets of cigarettes, more than 3000 vapes and cash were allegedly seized. A 23-year-old Benalla man is expected be charged on summons at a later date, Victoria Police said last week.

DUMPSVILLE: EPA Victoria says some people are just using the bush as a dumping spot for their rubbish.

WORKING TOGETHER: (from left) Garry Knight, Dawn Jones and Dawn Friday playing scrabble.

SOCIAL SCRABBLE: (from left) Group leader Sylvia Ash, Pat Mergin, Jenny Clinton and Keran Smee at the Mansfield Library.

PHOTOS: Trinity Knight

HOLY SMOKES: Benalla police arrested a man and seized cigarettes, vapes and more than $16,000 in cash in Benalla last Wednesday.

Mansfield’s Lantern Festival turns 10

By TRINITY KNIGHT

MANSFIELD’S annual Lantern Festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary on Saturday June 22.

Each year the festival lights up Mansfield’s main street on the winter solstice.

This year the route of the Bendigo Bank Lantern Parade has changed.

It will begin on the Eastern side of town near the amphitheatre located in the median strip then go across into the festival space on Erril Street.

Event director and festival organiser Alli Walker said this year interest online has been quite large and they have already had preregistrations for the lantern parade with some from as far as New South Wales.

“Last year there were up to 2500 people in attendance and this year I think we will have more,” she said.

In the years leading up to the inaugural year of the festival in 2015, Alli ran several events in conjunction with Gill and Dean Belle from the produce store.

“The events were part of the Food and Wine Festival and they ran in June,” she said.

“We ran some one-off dinners and a wonderful candlelit dinner at the Telephone Box Junction on Mount Stirling.

“In 2014 we had an inflatable igloo down near the Information Centre and a sit down dinner for 45 people which was fabulous.

“It was also on the winter solstice, and it looked beautiful, but it was an incredible amount of work, so Gill and I decided that we needed to do something different.”

Alli said initially the festival started out as a small event in the main street,

however over the years it has continued to grow bigger and bigger.

“In the first year we just wanted to create a community orientated event with lanterns and candles lighting up the night,” she said.

“In my head I thought maybe 30 people would turn up, but we ended up getting 90 which was a surprise.”

In 2017 they partnered with the Mansfield Shire

Council and it was the first year running the event in the Erril Street carpark with open fires, food and drinks.

“It was an enormous turnout with 1000 people who participated in the lantern parade,” Alli said.

“The festival had grown so much more than I had predicted in my ten-year plan.”

During COVID the festival had a break and in 2022 it kicked off again.

“In 2023 the Bendigo Community Bank came on board to sponsor the event which was fantastic and they will also be sponsoring it this year,” Alli said.

“This year’s festival will be slightly different to previous years, because it will start earlier at 4pm instead of 5pm.

“The Youth Centre is going to be open through the back gate and there will be

some young people playing live music in there from 4pm to 6pm.

“They’ve also got glow in the dark basketball and free face painting.

“From 6pm onwards we’ve got an amazing DJ that we’ve had for the last three years called Leif from Moto Bella.

“We also have the team from Mermaidia braids in Wangaratta coming along for the second year.

“It’s an event for all ages.”

There will be a range of food and drink vendors at the event with burgers, pizzas, bao buns, loukoumades, BBQ and Vietnamese food alongside cocktails, beers and wines available.

“It is a huge amount of work, but when you see everyone having a fabulous time on the night being outside, it’s worth the effort,” Alli said.

At the event, all children under the age of ten must be accompanied by an adult.

No open flames are permitted, but a battery operated light source is allowed.

The parade will assemble at 5pm and run from 5:30pm to 6pm.

Registration for the lantern parade on trybooking. com is free and anyone can take part.

Ahead of the event, free lantern making workshops will be available.

MANSFIELD LANTERN FESTIVAL TURNS 10: This year the Bendigo Bank lantern parade will begin on the near the amphitheatre on High Street. PHOTO: Supplied

New campaign tackles wildlife crime

THE community is being reminded of the valuable role they play in solving wildlife crime, as Victorian authorities encourage people to come forward with any information that could help solve cold cases, including a dog attack on two eastern grey kangaroos in December 2023.

Crime Stoppers Victoria and the Conservation Regulator launched the ‘Wildlife crime: It’s your call’ campaign, to help the public recognise and report wildlife crime.

The longstanding relationship between the two agencies aims to empower the community to report information about suspected incidents and perpetrators of wildlife crime by raising public awareness and providing education on the nature and seriousness of native wildlife crime.

In the past year Crime Stoppers Victoria recorded an 88 percent increase in reports supplied to wildlife authorities.

Crime Stoppers Victoria chief executive Stella Smith said the volume of reports they are receiving shows Victorians care about protecting native wildlife.

IT’S YOUR CALL: Crime Stoppers Victoria and the Conservation Regulator launched the ‘Wildlife crime: It’s your call’ campaign, to help the public recognise and report wildlife crime.

“We know that people want to make a difference, and it is important that those who have information about these horrific wildlife crimes know they can report to Crime Stoppers,” said Ms Smith.

“If you see anything suspicious, your information, no matter how small, could help make a difference and find those responsible for committing wildlife crime.”

The Conservation Regula-

tor is Victoria’s lead agency for investigating and prosecuting native wildlife crime.

The State’s Chief Conservation Regulator Kate Gavens said that while many Victorians know what constitutes wildlife crime, they may not be sure who to report it to or what details will help authorities to investigate.

“Wildlife crime could be an act of cruelty, illegal hunting, or the unlawful

Nature calls for 2025 calendar photos

THE year is flying by and entries for photographs to feature in the 2025 Goulburn Broken Catchment calendar are now open.

The popular calendar is known for its fantastic collection of local images and information on flora, fauna and natural landscapes.

Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority project coordinator, Janice Mentiplay-Smith, said the calendar photo competition was a great way for local people to showcase their photographic skills of plants, animals and the environment.

“The competition has been running for more than a decade now and entering it has become quite a tradition for keen photographers and nature lovers,” Ms Men-

tiplay-Smith said.

“The images in this year’s calendar were chosen from more than 300 entries.

“Each year we produce and distribute the calendars across the region.”

Preference is given to photographs of local plants or animals in their natural state, insects, waterways or other natural features that tell a story about the Goulburn Broken catchment.

“We always receive extremely positive feedback on the quality of the calendar and the fact it contains amazing images of the local environment, taken by local people,” Ms MentiplaySmith said.

“I encourage everyone to grab their camera and get out into nature and see what they can find.”

Email your images of birds, animals, plants, insects and places in the Goulburn Broken catchment to janicem@gbcma.vic.gov.au.

To be eligible, photos must be between 2-10MB in landscape format (not portrait) and submitted as a jpeg file attachment (not as a picture inserted into the text of your email).

It’s important to include a description of the image in the email subject line (e.g. ‘White-breasted Woodswallow’).

No USBs or disks.

Entries close August 13, 2024.

This project is coordinated by the Goulburn Broken CMA, with support from Moira Shire Council and Greater Shepparton City Council.

keeping, buying, or selling of native animals, and information such as locations, dates, times, number plates, and physical descriptions of people and animals are crucial to finding and penalising those responsible,” said Ms Gavens.

Community information has helped the Conservation Regulator close several wildlife crime cases, including two separate incidents in

2021 involving the illegal destruction of a powerful owl near Dixons Creek and the death of six magpies near Mildura.

In 2022 to 2023, the Conservation Regulator laid more than 145 charges relating to wildlife offences, including illegal possession and trade, harm, disturbance, and cruelty.

Ms Gavens said community assistance is incredibly im-

portant in their investigations.

“We want to thank those Victorians who are already reporting what they know and encourage more to look out for wildlife crime and come forward if they see anything suspicious,” she said.

“Protecting native wildlife is everyone’s responsibility, and it really is your call that could help solve a wildlife crime.”

NATURE CALLS: This year’s Goulburn Broken Catchment calendar cover photo features White-breasted Woodswallows at Numurkah’s Kinnairds Wetland, by Catarina Gregson.

MACE Incorporated recently announced a successful year of growth, community engagement, and financial sustainability in their 2023 annual report.

Board President Janene Ridley named the Children’s Services expansion and strategic review as some of MACE’s highlights in 2023.

MACE secured a new 15year lease for the Maternal & Family Children’s Centre on Davies Street to operate Mansfield Community Cubby House, Mansfield’s only not-for-profit childcare.

Additionally, MACE also partnered with Mansfield Shire Council to apply for the ‘Building Blocks’ grant, aiming to expand long day care places.

MACE have launched an

organisational wellness program developed with staff input, which will be moni-

tored and reviewed throughout 2024.

“We also completed a ma-

jor strategic review of our Corporate Plan,” said Ms Ridley.

This comprehensive strategic review re-aligned MACE with current community needs, resulting in increased community participation and successful program outcomes.

MACE CEO, Kylie Richards said they were “emphasising the importance of youth empowerment and engagement”, with plans to enhance training and development services in collaboration with council.

“We have also secured multiple grants to support digital literacy, community integration, and caregiver support,” said Ms Richards.

2023 also saw continued assistance and support for various local social and community groups, including the Gadhaba Local Aborigi-

nal Network, Mansfield Multicultural Group, and social exercise groups. The annual report reflects strong financial performance, indicating a surplus of $181,000, a 15 per cent increase in revenue, and a reduction in debt by $28,000. The liquidity ratio stands at a healthy 3:1 with net assets of $2.1 million.

Looking ahead, MACE aims to further position itself as a Community Relationship Hub in 2024, focusing on enhancing community connections, reducing our carbon footprint, and continuing to adapt to the digital technology landscape.

They will also explore expanding kindergarten and long day care places to meet rising demand.

Catch a freshwater cray this winter as season opens

RECREATIONAL fish-

ers can once again set their sights on catching the muchloved freshwater Murray spiny crayfish when the three-month open season begins north of the Great Dividing Range on 1 June.

Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) CEO Travis Dowling said there are many popular spots in northern and north-east Victoria where crays can be targeted, primarily by boat-based fishers, using labelled hoop nets or even just a piece of meat on a length of string.

“If you’re new to freshwater cray fishing, it’s a great activity to try with the kids, you can do it in some beautiful settings and you don’t

need a heap of gear to get started,” Mr Dowling said.

“It could be a family camping trip at Lake Eildon or one of our iconic rivers like the Goulburn, Kiewa or Ovens and if you have some luck crays are a delicious dinner cooked over the campfire.

“Many generations of fishers have grown up catching crays from a tinny each winter and we want to see that tradition continuing for future generations.

“A big part of that will be work we’re doing at our new Snobs Creek Conservation Hatchery to grow craylings to boost wild populations.”

VFA Fisheries Officers will be patrolling hotspots this winter, with a particular

focus on the handling and measuring of spiny crays to ensure they’re within the legal-size range of between 10cm to 12cm.

Tatura-based Supervising Fisheries Officer Daniel Gleeson said the measurements needed to be taken of the main body shell, known as the carapace length, defined as being measured from the rear of the eye socket to the near end of the shell before the tail.

“Knowing how to measure your cray helps us keep the fishery in good shape, so we’ll be out helping fishers ensure they’re doing it the right way and we’ll have plenty of our free Murray spiny crayfish measures to

make that even easier,” he said.

“Another thing we’ll be helping educate fishers on is the correct way to handle a cray to allow it to be meas-

ured. We often see anglers not placing the measure in the rear of the eye socket, not measuring to the rear of the carapace or placing the measure alongside the cray,

which makes it hard to get an accurate measurement.”

“The legal range or slot limit, is important because it protects those large breeding crayfish that will produce the next generation of craylings as well as the younger crays that haven’t had a chance to grow up a bit.”

You can grab a free Recreational Fishing Guide from your local tackle shop, download the free VicFishing app or head to vfa.vic. gov.au/fishingguide for more information on the bag limit of two crays, the statewide possession limit of four per person at any one time and permitted equipment.

CATCH: Fishers can once again set their sights on catching the much-loved freshwater Murray spiny crayfish when the three-month open season begins north of the Great Dividing Range on 1 June.

LET’S CLEAN: Vanessa van Clute, Elin Ree, Bonnie Clark, David Mims, Kylie Richards and Cassie Daykin during MACE clean up Australia Day.

property of the week

CONVENIENCE, COMFORT,

NESTLED at the top end of Victoria Street, this charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom brick home offers an exceptional blend of convenience, comfort, and style. Perfectly positioned within easy walking distance to the Golf Course, Lords Ground, local schools, and Mansfield’s vibrant Main Street, this property presents an unparalleled lifestyle opportunity.

Set on an elevated 704m² block, this light-filled residence has been meticulously maintained by its current owners. The home features ample space both indoors and outdoors, making it ideal for family living. The fully fenced backyard, complemented by a spacious shed with an additional carport, provides both privacy

and functionality.

AND STYLE

As you step inside, you’ll appreciate the seamless integration of the kitchen, dining, and living areas, designed with a modern open-plan layout and equipped with a split system for year-round comfort. The separate lounge area, featuring a charming wood heater, is perfect for cozy evenings at home, while a study nook or play area off the lounge offers additional functional space for work or play.

The north-facing master bedroom is complete with a walk-in robe and ensuite for added privacy and convenience. Two further bedrooms come equipped with built-in robes and share a well-appointed family bathroom.

The kitchen is fitted with a gas stove and dishwasher, ensuring modern convenience, while the home features instantaneous gas hot water for added efficiency. A covered outdoor entertaining area overlooks the beautifully landscaped backyard.

Promoting sustainable living, the property includes a 14-panel solar system installed on the carport. Ample storage and parking space are provided by a large 6m x 8m garage with a concrete floor and power, along with an attached two-bay carport. The home offers all-weather access, ensuring convenience in all seasons, and a water tank supports garden maintenance, further promoting sustainable living.

Agent | Mansfield Real Estate Phone | 03 5775 1188

Location | 36 Victoria St, Mansfield Price | $690,000 - $730,000

10:30am - 11:00am

Jamieson-Licola Rd, Jamieson

Warrambat Rd,

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WHAT’S ON CALENDAR

Regular Events:

 CWA Monthly meetings: 3rd Sunday afternoon, 2pm each month.

 CWA Craft Days: 1st and 3rd Wednesdays 10am, 2nd Thursday 6pm and 4th Wednesday at 6pm, each month.

 CWA Op shop open: most days from 10am.

 Family History Group at Mansfield Library. 3pm every 4th Thursday of the month.

 Grief and bereavement support group meets on the first Thursday of the month at Bob’s Shed, 82A Malcolm Street. All are welcome on a regular or casual basis and morning tea is provided. Ring 5775 3161 for more information.

 High Country Poets meet at the Mansfield Library on the 3rd Friday of the month at 1:30 pm. Members of the public all welcome to come and listen / or share their poetic ramblings.

 Justice of the Peace Services – Every Thursday, Mansfield Police Station. 10am to 1pm for witnessing and signing of documents.

 Lima South Old Time Dance: At Lima South Hall the second Sunday of each month between 1pm and 5pm. Entry $10. Music provided by The Ramblers. Please bring a plate of afternoon tea to share. All welcome. Contact: 0425868277.

 Mansfield Croquet Club – Monday and Wednesday mornings from 9am till 12 noon, Lord‘s Reserve, Cnr Victoria and Apollo Streets. Playing equipment available, $2 per session.

 Mansfield Farmers’ Markets - fourth Saturday of the month (February to December), 8.30am to 1pm at the median strip between the Post Office and the Delatite Hotel.

 Monday Mingle – Every Monday – organised by the Bonnie Doon Community Centre – chat and make new friends – new theme each week. BYO ideas for activities – all ages and abilities

 Mansfield support group for carers and people with special needs – morning coffee, third Tuesday of the month, 9.30am at Bob’s Shed, Rosehaven 82A Malcolm St Mansfield. Ph 0409 751 593.

 Mansfield Uniting Church - Highett Street Sunday services, 9.30am. All welcome. Ph 0417 103 813

 Men‘s Probus meetings are held every 2nd Wednesday for monthly meetings, and then activities/outings are held on the last Wednesday of each month – or as organised.

 Outdoor Provedore, producers market, 8.30am to 12.30pm on the High Street median strip, opposite the CWA (third Saturday of every month).

 Preschool story time at Mansfield Library. Stories, songs and craft. Every 1st and 3rd Friday of the month 10.30am. Ph 5775 8621

 Rotary meet the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month at the Delatite Hotel. 6.30 for a 7pm start.

 Rural Australians for Refugees (RAR) meet every fourth Monday of the month at 6pm at the Uniting Church Hall.

 Scrabble Club for all levels meets at 10am every Wednesday at Mansfield Library. Ph 5775 8621

 St John’s Anglican Church - meditation every Friday at 12 noon for a quiet half hour to restore your peace. Ph Christine 0412 825 324

 Tolmie Uniting Church - Tolmie Sportsground, 3rd Sunday of the month. Service at 2pm. All welcome.

 U3A meetings are held on 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month at 10am at the Library.

MORNING TEA: Some

Talking mental health with Let’s Talk

By LYNN ELDER

THE first drop-in session with a free coffee and plenty of enjoyable conversation was such a success, that the Mansfield Let’s Talk mental health group is going to run a regular monthly catchup for anyone who wants to join.

The next coffee and chat session will be at the Delatite Hotel, Mansfield on June 19

June

 JUNE 8-10: Mount Buller King’s Birthday long weekend season opening

 JUNE 8: Mansfield Bush Market, 8am-2pm.

 JUNE 15: Afghan cooking class at MACE, 145 High Street. 2pm. Contact MACE on 5775 2077.

 JUNE 15: Swanpool Environmental Film Festival, 1pm to 9.30pm, Swanpool Cinema, 2386 Midland Highway.

from 10am to 12pm, and then the same time on the third Wednesday each month at the same venue. It is an opportunity to meet some of the group members and make some new friends in a relaxed, friendly setting.

Following the success of the Mental Health First Aid courses, the committee has decided to offer a less formal program where participants can join for

Tickets $35, includes three films, afternoon tea and dinner. https:// www.trybooking.com/events/ landing/1206465.

 JUNE 15: Outdoor Provedore, producers market, 8.30am to 12.30pm on the High Street median strip, opposite the CWA (third Saturday of every month).

 JUNE 17: June 17th: U3A Mansfield are ‘Celebrating Margaret Fulton’. A shared lunch will be held at The Beolite Village Community Centre. Time: 11:30-

all or just the topics that interest them.

The mental health nightly sessions will run June 17, July 1, July 15 and July 29 from 6pm to 8:30pm at Bobs Shed on the Rosehaven premises, at 82a Malcolm St, Mansfield.

The first session will cover alcohol and drugs, anxiety, depression and psychosis.

Soup and dinner rolls will be provided free.

1:30 pm (approx). Cost: $2.00.

For further details call Trish 0437 357 829

 JUNE 22: Mansfield Lantern Festival, Erril Street, 4pm to 9pm.

 JUNE 22: Mansfield Farmers’ Market, 8.30am to 1pm at the median strip between the Post Office and the Delatite Hotel.

 JUNE 26: Stand for Council, community and candidate information session at the Mansfield Shire Council Chambers, 6pm.

Mansfield Let’s Talk is a community driven initiative run by a dedicated group of local volunteers that are passionate about making a difference in reducing stigma, and to ensure our community responds and supports people living with mental health issues.

For more information visit Let’s Talk Mansfield Facebook page or email mansfieldletstalk@gmail.com

July

 JULY 29: Valley Sport will be hosting a drop in session for sporting clubs, organisations and community members at Bonnie Doon Community Centre, 75 Arnot Street, Bonnie Doon, to discuss a wide range of important topics, including grants and fundraising, volunteer training courses, and mental health workshops.

new faces were greeted at the first coffee and chat run by Mansfield Let’s Talk group.

COFFEE AND CHAT: Mansfield Let’s Talk members with drop in visitors at the first session.

PHOTOS: Lynn Elder

Phone: (03) 5723 0101

Booking deadline: 2pm day prior to print.

Phone: (03) 5723 0101

Booking deadline: 3pm Monday prior to print.

Phone: (03) 5723 0101

Booking deadline: 12 noon Monday prior to print.

Phone: (03) 5723 0100

Phone for quarterly booking deadline

Phone: (03) 5723 0100 Booking deadline: Second Friday of month

CAR ADVERTISERS

Private vendors of motor cars

advertised for sale must include in their advertisement

• Cash price of motor car

• If car is registered, registration number

• If unregistered, the engine number PHOTOGRAPHS

All photographs appearing in this issue that are taken by our photographers are available as reprints.

FOUND ADVERTISEMENTS

All found advertisements are published free. for publication.

PERSONAL ADVERTISERS

• All personal photos submitted for printing in this issue must be collected within the next 4 weeks.

• All engagement and marriage notices must carry the signatures of BOTH parties, if under 18 the parents’ signatures as well.

• Birth notices require signatures ADDITIONS

• Bold heading

• A various selection of logos are available.

INTERNET

In lodging an advertisement with us you agree that we may publish the advertisement on our website. The general terms and condition that apply to publication apply also to publication of material on our website.

o five (5) years, Crown allotment 2001, Parish of Mansfield, as a site for “Office Accommodation”.

Get your names in the RADIO MANSFIELD and MANSFIELD COURIER birthday book.

Win Bertalli’s birthday goodies on Radio Mansfield 99.7 FM’s “Anything Goes” Birthday Wheel Thursdays from 2-4pm

This week’s winner is: ASHLEY FRANKCOMB

To enter call Radio Mansfield on 5775 2333

TOLMIE COMMUNITY

SOCIAL CLUB

Notice is given of a Public Meeting to elect persons for the Tolmie Community Social Club Committee for a term of one year. Nominations need to be submitted by 8pm on Sunday, June 30, 2024. Nomination forms are available from TCSC Secretary: tolmiesc@gmail.com and at the Social Club.

The AGM is to be held at the Tolmie Community Pavilion on July 7, 2024 at 3pm.

Due to the King’s Birthday public holiday, the classified advertising deadline for Wednesday, June 12 edition will be Friday, June 7 at 4pm. Phone: 5723 0101 Email: classifieds@nemedia.com.au

COOK,

CATERING ASSISTANT AND CLEANERS

Mansfield District Hospital is seeking people to join our Food and Domestic Services Team to provide Great Care @ MDH.

As part of the committed staff at MDH you will play a major role providing health services to our community. To thrive in these roles, you’ll possess excellent interpersonal skills, relating easily to staff, patients, residents, relatives/carers and other health care workers. You’ll work well within a team and also independently in our busy hospital and aged care environments. If you are highly organised, self-motivated and dedicated, we offer a rewarding working environment and great prospects.

Cook – The Cook is responsible for delivering high-quality catering services on behalf of MDH. Experience in a similar role is preferable, however full on the job training is provided.

Food Services Assistants – A Health & Community sector, Food Safety Practices Certificate is essential, and we will support the right candidates to gain this qualification. Experience in a similar role is preferable, however full on the job training is provided.

Cleaners – Experience is preferable, but not essential, as on the job training will be provided.

Position Type: All positions are permanent part-time

Closing Date: 14th June 2024

Position Description and Applications: https://mdh.org.au/position-vacancies.html WE ARE HIRING AN EDUCATION COORDINATOR! Part-time (FTE 0.6, hrs neg). Fixed term 18 months

g

• Picking Ga r ment s for Orders

• Fulfilling Orders t imely

• G eneral Product ion Floor Dut ies Essential Skills:

• Great Team Fit

• Creat ive Eye

• Attent ion to Deta i l

• Abi lity to work to a deadline

We're a t ight k nit team and like to keep

Full Time Driver

Buller Freight is looking for a selfmotivated, reliable and professional Driver.

transporting freight daily within the HR licence required and experience preferred, but not essential. Ability to use hand held technology is an important part of this role. The role is a full-time position and you will be working with an experienced team and full training and onboarding will be provided. We are an established, dynamic and growing business that provides reliable

If you are looking for a steady and Interested applicants please send through a brief introductory note with CV to: Carla Hutchins

Email: info@bullerfreight.com.au Buller Freight is an equal opportunity employer.

3.6R 6 cyl station wagon with sunroof, 99,500km, one owner, full service history, reg (ATIB). Contact

HOLDEN Captiva 7 CG Gen. II, 132,900km, 2012 4cyl petrol 7 seats; aircon, sunroof, recently spent $10,000 on complete transmission rebuild, v alve body and struts (AT still under warranty), 2nd owner, reg (1FY4LC), $13,500 or best offer. Contact Peter 0419 415 703.

HANSEN (nee Fribence), Rosemary Eileen. 3/8/1952 - 27/5/2024

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Rosemary Eileen Hansen on May 27, 2024 in Mansfield, surrounded by her loving family.

Rosemary was the much loved wife and best friend of Peter.

She was a devoted mother to Amanda and Jen and cherished mother-in-law to Scott and Shaun.

Adored Grandma of Camryn, Kenzie, Jade, Finlay, Lahni and Jack. Forever in our hearts.

HANSEN, Rosie.

The Board and Staff of Mansfield District Hospital are deeply saddened by the passing of Rosie Hansen. Rosie was a much loved and respected Registered Nurse, known for her compassionate nature.

She touched the hearts of those she cared for and those she worked with.

Our deepest sympathy is extended to Peter, Amanda, Jen and their families. Just be kind.

RONALDSON (nee Bowen), Rachel Brenda Eileen “Brenda”. Passed away peacefully at Buckland House in Mansfield surrounded by her family.

Dearly beloved wife of Bill (dec). Loving mother of Pamela (dec), Bev and Keith, Steve and Jan, Heather (dec) and John.

HANSEN

The funeral of Mrs Rosemary Eileen Hansen will be held at the Mansfield Uniting Church, Highett Street, Mansfield on Friday, June 7, 2024 commencing at 1pm. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Pancare Foundation in memory of Rosemary would be preferred. Envelopes will be available at the Church.

A video recording of the service will be available on the N J Todd website from 5pm on Friday. Private cremation.

N.J.

TODD

Member AFDA

MANSFIELD 1800 352 425

BENALLA (03) 5762 2461

RONALDSON

The funeral service to celebrate the life of Brenda Ronaldson will be held at McCormack Chapel, 11 Highett Street, Mansfield on Thursday, June 6, 2024 commencing at 11am. Followed by a private cremation.

RONALDSON, Brenda.

redgum

GTI 2019 Mk7.5, fully optioned, sunroof, heated seats etc, full service history with VW, major service just completed, grey colour, black leather interior, tinted windows, dash cam, reg (1PA7CR), 85,000km, $35,000. Ph 0402 205 836. YELLOW Hyundai sedan, 2000, (1YM9QQ), 218,242km, great car for new drivers, 5 speed manual, $4500 ono, located Mansfield. Ph 0439 719 529

Loved and loving Nanna to Adam, Ben, Luke, Jess, Travis, Megan, Hayden (dec), Claire, Hannah and Rachel and all of their partners, and Super Nanna to Mya, Rahni, Eli, Ollie, Leo, Vahli, Ottilie and Gigi; Jed, Zara, Sophie, River, Florence, Violet and Grace.

Loving sister-in-law to Kath and Ron. Reunited with Bill and Pam.

THORNE,

VOLKSWAGON Golf

GRAY, Frank.

27/4/1934 - 31/5/2024

Passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family. Loving husband of Margaret Loved Father of Brian, Alan, Sheryl and Wendy Father-in-law to Clare, Helen, Rod and Greg

A proud and adoring Grandfather to Danielle, Brendan, Stuart, Liam, Aaron, Blair, Megan and Justin. As per Frank’s wishes no funeral service to be held.

Anthony “Tony” Francis. 18/3/1934 – 28/5/2024

Much loved ~ our funny, colourful gypsy that beat to his own drum. Always living his life to the fullest.

Beloved brother of Naomi Dear partner of Doug, Former husband and devoted friend of Elsie, Adored father of seven and their partners Phillip and Rita, Christine and Richard, Carol and Kris, Tricia and Steve, Sarah and Stephen, Andrew and JoJo, and Rob.

Loved by grandchildren James, Liz, Sean, Sam, Tim, Tara, Allen, Kassie, Michael, Zac and Darcy and many great-grandchildren. Uncle of Lynda and Richard. We will miss you always. To all the staff at Bindaree Aged Care, our sincere thanks for all the kindness, care and support you showed to Dad and our family. We will be forever grateful, With love, the Thorne Family. Private cremation.

The Ronaldson and Cios families would like to express their sincere gratitude to all of the wonderful staff at Bindaree and Buckland who have cared for Brenda in such a loving way for many years. Thank you for all you do.

Amber Harley Hughes.

Birthday wishes and memories.

Miss and love you.

~ Your broken hearted family.

Junior netballers compete at sunny Kyabram tournament SPORT

WE have been truly blessed with weather this tournament season as teams arrived to another stunning sunny day at Kyabram Netball Association.

But the wind soon let us know that it is in fact winter.

With five teams competing, all players took the court ready to give it there all one last time this season

Our big improvers were U13 Blue, winning not only one but four games and just missing out on finals.

Our U11 champions both made finals, the first for all teams across the tournament season.

Playing in the higher champ division, U11 Yellow smashed it to make it to a semi-final against some well drilled opposition, while U11 Blue won five games to make the reserve semi-final, narrowly losing by two goals to arch rivals Benalla.

U15 BLUE

BY BIANNA KELLY

A TOUGH day in windy Kyabram led to some great team play and encouragement from all the girls for our final tournament of the 24 squad season.

A huge effort from the girls to back up after a massive day last week at association champs.

It was an absolute pleasure to coach these girls, and I look forward to seeing their development through the rest of the home and away season at club level.

Player of the tournamentAlicia Langlands

U13 GOLD

BY MICHELLE MERCIECA

WITH four of our usual team players missing we had two training partners, Mia and Mya, step in to play and Lia Snell return from injury. Everyone adapted really well and played competitive netball all day with a couple of good wins and a couple of nail-biting losses. Maddie’s cupcakes for Indie’s birthday were a highlight today as was Lia’s return

Well done on a great season girls.

Players of the Tournament (team voted)- Lia Snell and

Indiana Currie

U13 Blue- by Nadia Gardner

WHAT a spectacular end to our rep season together.

Our girls fought hard today- they passed accurately, looked for space, moved the ball across the court well and got their shots in

Four wins out of eight.

Our highest for the entire season, a true testament to the girls commitment to training, listening to feedback and always giving their best.

A massive shout out to all the parents who scored, cheered and helped me coach.

Girls, I have loved coaching you and watching your skills develop and above all the fun, friendships and laughs that we have shared along the way.

Player of the tournamentJade Withers

U11 YELLOW BY ROBYN THORNTON

LAST tournament for this young talented side and it was by far our toughest one playing in the championship division.

We have had a great season with plenty of development and success.

The friendship and team work that this team has displayed has made it an absolute pleasure to coach.

A big thanks to my assistant coach Chloe and all parents and girls for an amazing season.

Players of the tournament- Macey Thornton and Charli Stephens

U11 BLUE BY CHRIS MITCHELL

HAVING only won two games all tournament season, the girls played out of their skin to leave the best for last winning five games in one day.

In tricky windy conditions, the girls adjusted their game, playing as a cohesive team unit.

With top two qualifying

for finals and sitting in third with one game to go, the girls won their last game 8-0, qualifying them for finals.

Coming up against top of pool B Benalla in the semi finals, the girls showed Benalla just how much they had improved being level 2-2 at half time.

With some tired legs and nervous decisions, the girls lost by two but came off with their heads held so high knowing they had given it their all.

I’m so proud of the attitude of these players and

their hard work and willingness to learn and improve.

The future of netball in Mansfield and surrounds is truly exciting.

Player of the tournamentLara Harrop

This concludes the squad season for most players, with our last tournament being a metro 11/U super tournament in Casey on August 4.

The biggest thank you to our umpires, coaches, team managers, netball families and supporters, it truly takes a village to get our players to trainings, physio

appointments, fueling with good food and travel to tournaments, we are forever grateful for all your efforts in allowing our players to play the game they love.

While squad netball is a huge commitment, Mansfield Junior Netball Club is so proud to provide the opportunity to 70 players and approximately 15 training partners to progress their netball and play more of the game they love.

The more girls in sport and succeeding in sport, the better.

U14 Blue fights hard against top team, take stock leading into bye

By NICK DUNN

ON Sunday we rolled out against College again, in what would be our fourth game against the top three teams in the last five weeks.

In that stretch of games, winning has never been the expectation.

Instead we are using these games to build the foundation of our team, based around hard work, resilience and determination, that will set us in good stead heading into the back half of the year.

What we really wanted to see was us maintain our level of intensity and our style of

footy for four quarters and we were able to do that, despite luck going against us at times.

But our fourth quarter, running the game out and having it played almost exclusively in our forward half showed a lot about how much this side has grown and evolved in the last month or so and I couldn’t be

more proud of them.

Coming into the bye round sitting three and four, we get a chance to take stock and have a look at what is to come in the back half of the year.

What is exciting for our guys is with some of our upcoming games, we have the chance to build a bit of momentum, and

top the guys confidence levels right back up.

That combined with the style of footy, and the level of intensity they have learned to play at over the last month or so, will make for a very good football team come the end of the home and away rounds.

Captains choice award: Billy

Turner (Mansfield Hunting and Fishing)

Coaches awards: Zander Haslau (Subway) and Jake Hoskin (O’Malleys Pizza) Best: Archie Dunn, Gus Robinson, Jake Hoskin, Reeve Purday, Jay Kynnersley, Zander Haslau, Taj Kynnersley Goals: Robinson, J. Kynnersley

SEMI-FINALISTS: U11 Blue the girls showed Benalla just how much they had improved.

FUTURE OF MANSFIELD NETBALL: The junior netballers put up a sensational fight against Kyabram on the weekend.

U14s claim spectacular win

By MATT STORER

MANSFIELD U14 Yellow hosted the Myrtleford saints at home Sunday.

The Saints form has been up and down with some mixed results, so the boys knew they would have to be on there A game from the first bounce.

The Eagles got going early from the middle with bulldozers in James Well-

bourne and Isaac Crowe.

Both had terrific games and they cleared paths for our smaller guys.

We took a two-goal lead into quarter time, however the wind was very tricky.

Our back half has really held us together all year.

Zane Daykin, Noah Desantos and Jake West never get beaten and they play hard but fair and are a team within a team.

The half back line of Cooper Martin, skipper Toby Gerrans and Levi Stevenson create so much play

At half time we felt like we had control of the game.

Jack Clysdale on a wing was everywhere.

He is all class and runs so hard both ways and has a ferocious attack on the football.

As good as our day was going it got soured by two injuries.

Lachie Robert’s went back with the flight and landed awkwardly on his shoulder which finished his day, but we hope to see him in a couple of weeks.

It was a very brave contest Lach, well done champ.

Before he had got to the bench, our up and coming star Chance Keatch fell and suffered a nasty broken wrist.

He is a promising young

athlete, but this injury has ruined his footy and basketball season

We are all thinking of you mate.

The game ebbed and flowed through the second half we had eight individual goal kickers.

Mitchy Storer was the only multiple goal kicker with three, but the biggest cheer came when Tommy Dowel kicked.

Truly he really deserved to kick one for all his hard work, he never gives up and is getting better each week.

The Eagles run away winning by 43 points and now have the long weekend off but are continuing to take small steps each week. Thanks to the volunteers who are there ever week doing all the things nobody sees.

Junior Magpies 2.2 8.3 12.5 12.8.80 Centrals 2.3 4.8

BEST: JUNIOR MAGPIES: Cooper Allan, Callum Bott, Riley Burrows, Joel Comensoli, John Wohlers, Noah Murphy. CENTRALS: Hunter Barry, Brooklyn Mawson, Connor Ormond, Dean Balfour, Reid McNamara, Connor Breheny. GOALS: JUNIOR MAGPIES: Joel Comensoli 4, Cooper Allan 3, Callum Bott 2, Sam McIntosh 2, John Wohlers 1. CENTRALS: Ryan Parsons 2, Hunter Barry 1, Connor Breheny 1, Patrick Ford 1, Hunter Fraser 1, Jack Lewis 1. Imperials

Benalla

BEST: IMPERIALS: Luke Griffiths, Preston Stamp, Harry Allen, Beau Benton, Ben McMonigle, Marshall Semmens. BENALLA: Josh Hart, Mitchell Cooney, Josh Mathieson, Xavier Rhodes, Dustin McCarthy, Liam Fielding. GOALS: IMPERIALS: Marshall Semmens 5, Will Prebble 3, Beau Benton 2, Harry Allen 1, Hugo Bandt 1, Luke Griffiths 1, Cooper Young 1. BENALLA: Hunter Carter 1, Josh Hart 1.

BEST: KANGAROOS: Ollie Reynolds, Kade Jackson, Harvey Jacka, Will Graham, Edward Clayton, mario sacco. COLLEGE: Ayden Peebles, Christian Ashworth, Harrison Bowman, Harvey Lyster, Ryan Dillon, Charlie Fitzgerald. GOALS: KANGAROOS: Will Graham 3, Harvey Jacka 2, Mario Sacco 2. COLLEGE: Ayden Peebles 2, Christian Ashworth 1, Harrison Bowman 1, Ryan Dillon 1, Charlie Fitzgerald 1, Jay Llewellyn 1, Hudson McKenzie 1, Cashen Monk 1.

BEST: TIGERS: Harvey Dodgshun, Oliver Mullane, Jensen Perna, Drew Winter, Joshua Knight, Jacob Wickham. BRIGHT: Bailey Brady, Alan Grasser, Ewan Lodge, Fraser Stephens, Lakitha Samarasinghe, Harper Wilson. GOALS: TIGERS: Jake Wall 3, Mac Correll 2, Harvey Dodgshun 2, Lucas Webb 2, Jacob Wickham 1. BRIGHT: Tyson Brierty 3, Luke Carey 2, Otis Dalbosco 1, Lachlan Russell 1. Mansfield

BEST: MANSFIELD: Jaxon McCormack, Liam Smith, Hayden Desmond, Logan Kent, Ethan Pigdon, Noah Pigdon. MYRTLEFORD: Jordyn Notarianni, Joshua Bruneau, Charlie Piazza, Jalen Thompson, Benjamin McMasters, Taj Cooper.

GOALS: MANSFIELD: Ethan Pigdon 4, James Benton 2, Andrew Friday 2, Edwin Morphett 2, Sam Kynnersley 1, Liam Smith 1. MYRTLEFORD: Taj Cooper 1, Bailey Robb 1

NORTH East Bushrangers Basketball (NEBB) is a collaboration between local North East basketball associations with the commitment of “Creating Realistic Pathways for all North East Athletes”

Ten NEBB junior teams compete in the Victorian Junior Basketball League (VJBL) - the highest level junior competition in Victoria.

Our Club offers specialist Basketball Clinics, as well as pathways through Senior Big V Competitions.

One NEBB Youth League Men’s (YLM) team competes in the semi-professional Big V competition.

Big V & VJBL consist of teams from both metropolitan and regional Victoria.

BEST: JUNIOR MAGPIES: Will James, Sam McIntosh, Harry Allan, Joel McNeill, Lukas Cannata. CENTRALS: Liam Bennett, Archie Knobel, Angus Fraser, Nicholas Jones, Samuel Elkington, Cooper Blair. GOALS: JUNIOR

MAGPIES: Will James 3, Archie Johnson 2, Sam McIntosh 2, Harry Allan 1. CENTRALS: Archie Knobel 2, Seth Webster Mizzi 2, Liam Bennett 1, Cooper Blair 1, Aiden Castle 1, Ethan Cryer

Red

IMPERIALS: Sam Newton, Kade Ely, Gus Marek, Lomond Cumming, Samuel K Savage, Luke Welch BENALLA RED: Jude Binion, Noah Hogan, Riley McCarthy, Xavier De Fazio, Jack Pollard, Harrison Skelton. GOALS: IMPERIALS: Kade Ely 1, Zeke Hogan 1, Sam Newton 1, Logan Wilson 1. BENALLA RED: Jude Binion 3, Thomas Mount 1, Mason Willett 1. Mansfield Blue

BEST: MANSFIELD BLUE: Archie Dunn, Gus Robinson, Jake Hoskin, Reeve Purday, Jay Kynnersley, Zander Haslau. COLLEGE: Lenny Sims, Cooper Bowman, Luke OBrien, Luke Pensak, Charlie O’Brien, Dominic Ciccone. GOALS: MANSFIELD BLUE: Jay Kynnersley 1, Gus Robinson 1. COLLEGE: Lenny Sims 4, Cooper Bowman 1, Luke Dillon 1, Reegan Monk 1, Charlie O’Brien 1. Kangaroos

BEST: KANGAROOS: Mitchell Murphy, John Crotty, Cooper Borschmann, Harry Chandler, Hudson Wallace, George Everard. BENALLA BLACK: Charlie Bell, Ryan White, Hudson Blyss, Kobi Thwaites, Hugh Ross, Joshua Montgomery. GOALS: KANGAROOS: Isaac Chilcott 3, Jack Pople 3, Harry Chandler 1, John Crotty 1, Archie Symons 1. BENALLA BLACK: Noah Norman 1, Hugh Ross 1. Mansfield Yellow

BEST: MANSFIELD YELLOW: Isaac Crowe, James Wellborne, Jack Clydesdale, Toby Gerrans, Jake WEST, Mitch Storer MYRTLEFORD: Austin Robb, Taylor McPherson, Hudson Durling, Orlando Hunkin, Matthew Morgan, Max McMahon. GOALS: MANSFIELD YELLOW: Mitch Storer 3, Jack Clydesdale 1, Thomas Dowell 1, Sam Hough 1, Chance Keatch 1, Oscar Pigdon 1, Mitch Rossiter 1, Felix Smith 1. MYRTLEFORD: Hudson Durling 2, Sam Lupo 1, Blake Parolin 1. Tigers

BEST: TIGERS: Zachariah Akers, Thomas Jones, Marlon Togolo, Riley Webb, Nate O’Keefe, Mia Simpson. BRIGHT: Noah White, Harris Bruneau, Harry West, Gabriel Banks, Brock Buckland, Kody Watkins. GOALS: TIGERS: Riley Webb 4, Thomas McCully 1, Hugh Sharp 1, Marlon Togolo 1. BRIGHT: Darcy Andersen 4, Brock Buckland 2, Kobe Buckland 1, Oliver Kelly 1, Alex Tanaskovic 1, Kody Watkins 1, Harry West 1, Cameron Wood 1.

Leo Palmer, Dusty Hogarth, Nixon Gales. GOALS:

U14 Boys 1 40 def by Ringwood 1 62

(Top Scorers: N. Atukorala 19, C. Hueston 11, O. Pigdon 5

U14 Boys 2 35 def Darebin 1 31

(Top Scorers: C. Keatch 15, N. Caccianiga 14, E. Kain 2)

U14 Girls 1 39 def Waverly 1 28

(Top Scorers: M. Moscrop 11, E. O’Neill 8, A Gray 5)

U14 Girls 2 25 def Wyndham 3 27

(Top Scorers: M. Tomkins 6, H. De Koyer 4, R. Pickles 4)

U16 Boys 1 57 def Dandenong 3 57

(Top Scorers: C. Clark 14, S, Wright 8, L. Cashman 8)

U16 Boys 2 68 def by Coburg 4 49

(Top Scorers: J. Payne 17, J. Kelly 16, A. KIpping 14)

U16 Boys 3 36 def by Ballarat 3 39

(Top Scorers: K. Organ 8, C. Hart 5, D. Andersen 5)

U16 Girls 1 23 def Blackburn 1 20

(Top Scorers: L.Wright 8, E. Napier 5, L. Purse 3)

U16 Girls 2 41 def Coburg 2 34

(Top Scorers: E. Gray 20, C. Campbell 10, P. Male 6)

(Top Scorers: J. Vearing 8, A. Button 7, J. Hipwell 6) ROUND RESULTS:

U18 Boys 37 def by Collingwood 4 29

NETBALL REVIEWS

Bonnie Doon’s winning streak continues

A GRADE BY ERIN

BROND

Bonnie Doon 65 defeated North Wangaratta 29

Best on Court: Mia Tanner sponsored by Foodworks Coaches Award: Amy Starzer sponsored by Bowser Bean Fan Favourite: Portia Keatch sponsored by Mansfield Holiday Letting

THE wet courts of the morning were nothing but a distant memory by the time the A Grade girls hit the court.

The first five minutes indicated that the game was going to be hard and fast.

And indeed, it was.

Once we got into a rhythm, we were hard to stop.

The first quarter ended 17-4.

Anna and Cara were a driving force for this lead, getting countless intercepts, tips, gains and rebounds.

Portia and Amy made sure the defenders hard work was not wasted, shooting at 80% each for the whole game and getting the rebounds on their limited misses.

Chloe Cash played the first half in WA, bringing up her sixth quarter of the day.

You wouldn’t have been able to tell, her intensity on the centre passes was unbeatable.

Half time score: 30-11.

Jess Harris came on in centre for the second half, moving Mia from C into WA.

Both showed patience around the ring, working their triangles before feeding the ball into Portia and Amy flawlessly.

Erin worked hard to pick up the scraps and provide the ‘long’ option down court when bringing it out of defence.

The work of everyone across the court was rewarded with the 40-goal win.

Mia and Amy’s poise, skill and leadership got them the awards this week, and Portia’s strength and ability to compose herself in tricky situations saw her as the fans favourite.

It was a great day for the club, getting seven from seven wins before our two-week break.

Go Bombers!

B GRADE BY CHRISSY BLUNT

Bonnie Doon 83

defeated North Wangaratta 27

Best on Court: Chrissy Blunt sponsored Bonnie Doon Pub Coaches Award: Steph Evans sponsored by Mansfield Motel

Players Player: Stephanie Evans Sponsored by Anvil Brewery

A high scoring first quarter set the scene for the match, with Cobie McCormack taking the workload for the goalers scoring an awesome 16 of the total 23 goals scored for the quarter.

With changes through the midcourt every quarter Tara Murray stepping into WA and Jess Harris in the Centre enabled the energy to remain high and we kept chipping away on the scoreboard in a physical battle.

The third quarter was Steph Evans and Cass McCormacks time to shine, with clear communication ending up with intercepts on the last line of defence.

The fourth quarter was again another physical battle, however all players remained composed to secure a great win before having a fortnight off to rest and recover.

B RESERVE BY

HANNAH SHEEHAN

Bonnie Doon:

79 defeated North Wangaratta 20

Best on court: Madi Hearmon sponsored by Bonnie Doon Pub

Coaches Award: Casey Hearmon sponsored by Pro Active Tax

THE girls were determined to start strong with Michelle and Amy out this week against North Wang. Ash starting in Centre she showed her attacking and defensive pursue down the whole court playing a massive role in both ends but also great feeds into the shooters of Casey and Sarah, Madi was a massive impact

and option on the ring for the shooters with also her perfect timing in drives and passes into the ring.

The defensive pressure down the court made by the whole attacking end made it easier for the defender Cass and Hannah to be able to intercept the ball before reaching North wangs attacking end, with Charlotte, Cass and Hannah applying great defensive pressure in the ring making the North Wang shooters to work hard for every goal.

Coach Leith took the opportunity to make a few changes in the last quarter seeing the attacking end swap with Sarah back into GS and Casey stepping into GA, Hannah Sheahan was placed into C for the first time all season, Ash went into WD, Charlotte into GD and Cass into GK they continued to dominate through the centre and kept putting the Score on the board after a bit of giggling at Sheahan, Cass Turner was placed into C and Hannah went into to GK to play the game out.

This week the team really missed Michelle and Amy.

Another great game played by the B reserves girls.

Thank you to our superstars Tilly and Demi for sitting on the Bres bench giving tons of support.

A special thank you to Leith for supporting and coaching the girls to bring home another win.

UNDER 17’S BY GEMMA REVELL Bonnie Doon 63 defeated North Wangaratta 29

Best on court: Emmeline Evans sponsored by Kirleys Coaches Award: Cobie McCormack sponsored by Mansfield Holiday Letting

IT was a great day for netball at Bonnie doon who were playing against North Wang.

The under 17s took the win with the final scores being 84-17.

Goal shooters Cobie and Stella worked well together getting in their goals.

They managed to score over 20 goals almost every quarter.

The defenders Tilly and Emmeline worked amazingly, they managed to keep North Wangaratta’s score under ten each quarter which is an amazing effort.

The midcourters Chloe, Charli, Gemma, Demi all pushed and worked well in bringing the ball from one end to another.

They also worked well feeding the ball into the goalers and bringing the ball out of the defence end.

Overall, everyone played impressively well all game and everyone should be very happy with their performance.

Now for a two week break then to prepare to play Bright.

UNDER 15’S BY MAYA RHODES Bonnie Doon 36 defeated North Wangaratta 14

Best on court: Bella Neale sponsored by Desmond Concrete

Coaches Award: Erin Mahoney sponsored by Walsh Gas

THIS weekend Bonnie Doon came across second on the ladder and defeated North Wang confidently. It was a rough game, but everyone kept their heads high.

Amy, Maya, Lara and Annie working the attack end wonderfully and great defence down the court, with the defenders Sadie, Carly, Erin and Bella working well keeping them to a limited score and bringing it out of defence nicely.

At the end of the first quarter Bonnie doon was up 9-3 with a strong lead.

Second quarter Bonnie doon kept them very low scoring and the attackers popped up a few more goals 17-5.

Third quarter we kept them low scored again 28- 8 with North Wang only scoring two goals with the defenders working it down court effortlessly.

Last quarter we went out strong to have a good win and didn’t give up and had a great last question defeating North Wang 36-14.

Shoutout to Keira for cheering us on the bench with an ankle injury.

Maintaining your freshwater fishing gear

MAINTAINING your freshwater fishing gear—rods, reels, and lures—is essential for ensuring longevity, optimal performance, and successful fishing trips.

Regular upkeep not only preserves your investment but also enhances your experience on the water.

Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to maintain these crucial components.

RODS:

Start by inspecting your rods after every use.

Check for any signs of damage, such as cracks or nicks in the rod blank, and ensure that the guides (the rings along the rod) are intact and free from rust or bends.

Clean the rod with a damp cloth to remove dirt, grime, and fish residue.

If you’ve been fishing in muddy or dirty water, a gentle soap and water solution can be used.

Dry the rod thoroughly before storage to prevent mold and mildew.

Store rods vertically or horizontally in a rod rack to pre-

any worn-out parts.

vent warping and keep them away from high-traffic areas where they might get knocked over.

REELS:

Reels are intricate pieces of equipment that require regular cleaning and lubrication.

After each fishing trip, rinse the reel with fresh water to remove any dirt or debris, being careful to avoid submerging it.

Use a soft brush to clean around the spool, bail, and handle.

Periodically, take the reel apart according to the manufacturer’s instructions to perform a deeper clean.

This includes removing old grease and applying fresh lubricant to the gears and bearings.

Make sure to check the drag system for wear and replace

Store reels in a cool, dry place, preferably with a protective cover to keep out dust.

LURES:

Lures can quickly become ineffective if not properly maintained.

After each use, rinse them with fresh water and allow them to dry completely to prevent rust.

Check the hooks for sharpness and rust; replace any that are dull or corroded.

A small file can be used to sharpen hooks that are still in good condition. Inspect the lure body for cracks or chips, especially in hard baits, as these can affect their action in the water.

Soft plastic lures should be stored in a cool place to avoid melting or deformation, and consider keeping them in their original packaging to retain their scent and pliability.

By investing a little time in maintaining your freshwater fishing rods, reels, and lures, you ensure they remain in top condition, ready for your next adventure.

ESSENTIAL MAINTENANCE: Maintaining your freshwater fishing gear—rods, reels, and lures—is essential for ensuring longevity, optimal performance, and successful fishing trips.

This routine care not only extends the life of your equipment but also maximizes your success and enjoyment on the water.

U17s great win over Myrtleford

By SHARNA BENTON

MANSFIELD defeated Myrtleford on Sunday at home, proving the Eagles had what it took to take down the Saints following the team’s round five defeat away.

Lending two players to the opposition, Mansfield played like a champion team in Round seven – Sharing

the ball, hand balling with accuracy and Shepherding strongly.

In the first quarter, Mansfield got off to a flying start with four goals – one from each of the Pigdons, Noah and Ethan, and two from James Benton.

The back line was strong with Noah Whittall, Cruz Purday and Jaxon McCormack- who won the coach’s

award for best on ground.

Sam Kain rucked the ball to the midfield including Hayden Desmond and Edwin Morphett, who shared the ball well creating opportunities for the forward line.

While Logan Kent dominated on the ball and earned himself a coach’s award.

The second quarter featured a goal from Andy Fri-

day and another for Ethan Pigdon just before the siren, taking Mansfield into half time with a 47 point lead.

Liam Smith who performed well all day come out strong in the third to kick a goal, taking the score 70 to nine in the Eagles favour.

The fourth quarter featured Ethan Pigon taking his place as leading goal kicker for the day with four

The Mansfield Bowls Clubs 67th AGM

THE Mansfield Bowls Club held their 67th AGM on Sunday 26 May which was preceded by the presentations of trophy winners for the year followed by a BBQ lunch.

Winners announced on the day were as follows:

Men’s Club Champ – John Foots & runner-up was Trevor Thompson.

Ladies Club Champ – Irene Fuller & runner-up Lyn Foots.

Men’s Champ Pairs - John Foots & Noel Jackson – runners up Ray Close & Peter McNeill.

Ladies Champ pairs – Jenny Walsh & Enid Smith – runnersup Lyn Foots & Kris Humphrey.

Men’s Champ Triples – Graham Smith, Brian Revell & Don Cameron – runners-up Ray Robinson, Kevin Nikkelson & Ray Close.

Ladies Champ Triples –Jenny Walsh, Vicki Klein & Enid smith – runners-up Marian Ryan, Kathleen Bock and Belinda Snider.

Men’s B Grade Champ –Mark Bettany – runner-up Shane O’Brien.

Ladies B Grade champ – Lyn Holland – runner-up Yvonne Robinson.

Men’s Handicap Pairs – Ray Robinson & Peter McNeill –runners-up Trevor Thompson & Shane O’Brien.

Ladies Handicap Pairs –Lyn Foots & Christina Smith – runners-up Carolyn Close & Enid Smith.

Men’s 100up – Trevor Thompson- runner-up Nick Klein.

Ladies 100up – Lyn Foots –runner-up Elaine Peterson.

Men’s 21up – Mark Bettany – runner-up George Peterson.

Ladies 21up – Elaine Peterson – runner-up Irene Fuller. Pike Pairs – John Foots & Christina Smith – runners-up

Chris Laws & Marian Ryan.

goals, and the game ended with Sam Kynnersley kicking his first goal for the season.

Mansfield 12.12 (84) defeated Myrtleford 2.4 (16).

Corcoran Parker Awards: Jaxon McCormack, Liam Smith

Reece Plumbing Award: Hayden Desmond

Mansfield Work Wear Awards: Logan Kent

Notable Mentions: Ethan Pigdon, Noah Pigdon

Last Round Results:

Corcoran Parker Awards: James Benton, Noah Whittall

Reece Plumbing Award: Cruz Purday

Mansfield Workwear Award: Noah Pigdon

Notable Mentions: Hayden Desmond, Ethan Pigdon.

*Ladder correct at time of print from Ovens and King website.

A GRADE: Bonnie Doon 65 def North Wangaratta 25 Greta 49 def King Valley 24 Milawa 60 def Goorambat 33 Moyhu 45 def Bright 38 Whorouly 41 def by Tarrawingee 46

B GRADE: Bonnie Doon 83 def North Wangaratta 27, Greta 42 def King Valley 25, Milawa 86 def Goorambat 20, Moyhu 27 def by Bright 40, Whorouly 43 def by Tarrawingee 44

B RESERVE: Bonnie Doon 79 def North Wangaratta 21 Greta 39 def King Valley 22, Milawa 81 def Goorambat 11, Moyhu 40 def Bright 33, Whorouly 56 def Tarrawingee 42

C GRADE: Bonnie Doon 84 def North Wangaratta 17, Greta 50 def King Valley 29, Milawa 28 def by Goorambat 59, Moyhu 28 def by Bright 43, Whorouly 40 def Tarrawingee 19

15 & UNDER: Bonnie Doon 36 def North Wangaratta 14, Greta 22 def King Valley 11, Milawa 56 def Goorambat 0 Moyhu 31 def Bright 14, Whorouly 17 def by Tarrawingee 21

Home Pennant winners–Mick Walsh, Ian Morley, Doug Morley and Anne Tilbrook – runners-up Dom Diaz, Tony Wilks, Brian Sinclair and Steve Lewis.

The new Board for the coming season is President Ray Robinson, Secretary Yvonne Robinson, Treasurer Chris Laws and Board Members Graham Smith, Ray Close and Jenny Walsh.

WINNERS AND LOSERS

NORTH WANGARATTA

GOALS: BONNIE DOON: Al Bennett 10, Will Foster 3, Jayjay Curtin 2, James Law 2, Cody Turner 2, Sean Campitelli 1, Conor Heaslip 1, Matthew Hedin 1, Luke Murray 1. NORTH WANGARATTA: Damien Bradley 1, Jack Brown 1, Jhye Devine 1, David Killen 1, Liam McDonell 1. BEST: BONNIE DOON: Will Foster, Peter Cairns, Al Bennett, Luke Murray, Conor Heaslip, Jordan Davey. NORTH WANGARATTA: Jay Barker, Adam Enever, Sean Gales, Thomas Johnson, Tyler Nanson, Damien Bradley.

GRETA 8.5 13.7 18.10 26.12.168

KING VALLEY 0.1 1.2 1.2 1.5.11

GOALS: GRETA: Brenton Newbold 6, Frazer Judd 4, James McClounan 4, Jack Baker 2, Joshua Bell 2, Lachie Kennett 2, Tom Webster 2, Bradley Whinray 2, Tyler Arrowsmith 1, Ben Hogan 1. KING VALLEY: Anthony Ciancio 1. BEST: GRETA: Lachie Kennett, James McClounan, Jack Baker, Jack Kelly, Brenton Newbold, Tom Webster. KING VALLEY: Connor Shanley, Ben Bray, Bradley Collihole, Sam Evans, Dylan Browne, Daniel Eldridge.

MILAWA

ROUND 11

SATURDAY, JUNE 15

BENALLA vs MILAWA

GRETA vs MOYHU

GOORAMBAT vs BRIGHT KING VALLEY vs TARRAWINGEE

NORTH

WANGARATTA vs WHOROULY

GOALS: MILAWA: Brady Bartlett 3, Harry Allan 2, Braydon Kearns 2, Jared Lea 2, Simon Pane 2, Jarryd Wallace 2, Nick Giggins 1, Brent Newton 1, Luke Toohey 1.. GOORAMBAT: Duane Haebich 4, Benjamin Reaburn 2, Dylan Beavis 1, Angus Burston 1, Jamie Dunne 1, Rhys Goodley 1, Brayden Stepien 1. BEST: MILAWA: Brady Bartlett, Liam Murphy, Josh Owen, Braydon Kearns, Simon Pane, Kyle Collisson. GOORAMBAT: Benjamin Reaburn, Dylan Beavis, Angus Burston, Josh Heylbut, Duane Haebich, Rhys Goodley.

GOALS: MOYHU: Darby West 3, Harrison Grant 2, Noah Campbell 1, Nick Stewart 1. BRIGHT: Luke Quirk 6, Riley Bacon 3, Dylan Bursill 1, James Love 1, Darcy Martin 1, Mikka Paulsen 1. BEST: MOYHU: Matthew Thrum, Jordan Hansted, David McDonald, Nick Stewart, Josh Coonan, Bailey Zimmermann.. BRIGHT: Luke Quirk, Regan Alexander, Kieren Jamieson, Reuben Jamieson, James Love, Jack Dalbosco.

GOALS: WHOROULY: Darcy O’Shannessy 3, Lachlan Moore 2, Jacob Penn 2, William Allen 1, Oliver Dixon 1,

Nathan Chin, Ryan Hargreaves, Cameron Paterson BRIGHT: Brodie Brain, Steve Nightingale, Paul Harrison, Joseph Crawley, will Redden, Ryan Peace.

BEST: WHOROULY: Steven Turnbull, Thomas Rowney, Jack Rufford-Sharpe, Will Corscadden, Daniel White, Declan Barbour.

TARRAWINGEE: Edward Clayton, Ethan Ryan, Zachary Howard, Harry Gorman, Dylan C Savage, Sonny McCormack. Bonnie Doon

...........13.18.96

North Wangaratta ........1.1.7

BEST: BONNIE DOON: Luke Benton, Trent Smith, Patrick Revell, Morgan Evans, Lachlan Pinder, Luke Jenkins. NORTH WANGARATTA: Michael McKenzie, Ben SchulzDahlenburg, Luke Kuschert, Levi Smith, Ashley lowen, Blake Marlborough.

Dylan Gephart 1, Blade Hurst 1. TARRAWINGEE: Sam Piper 2, Will Creed

Jarrod Everitt 1, Sam Peters 1, William Styles 1. BEST: WHOROULY: Darcy O’Shannessy, Oliver Dixon, William Allen, Samuel Piazza, Cameron Wood, Zac Bladon. TARRAWINGEE: Patrick Byrne, Oliver Sharp, Deacon Cleal, Will Creed, Thomas Salmon, Sam Piper.

100up WINNER: Harold Thorpe, Trevor Thompson and runner up Nick Klein.

CLUB CHAMP: John Foots and runner up Trevor Thompson. PHOTOS: Supplied

Mansfield battle Euroa under frosty conditions

UNDER 15S

BY SIENNA KYNNERSLEY

Mansfield 47 def Euroa 34 Best on Court sponsored by Mansfield Armchair Cinema –Esher Berry Coaches Award sponsored by Mansfield Subway – Sienna Kynnersley

GOING into the game against Euroa this week was a chance to consolidate our position as a strong finals contender.

Missing our superstar GK Leah due to injury , we had to show our diversity and depth across the squad, and Harper and Maddie B stepped in to fill the void in the defensive circle.

After a slow start in the first quarter with a three goal lead, the team knew they had to change their game to win.

Second quarter coming back with a fire to win we brought the lead out to a eight-goal margin.

Euroa fought back and with some accurate goaling pegged the margin back to six by the end of the third.

Leonie asked us to lift, and we responded to the call, putting the foot down and landing a 13-goal win by the final whistle.

UNDER 17S BY LIBBY FERGUSON

Mansfield 34 def by Euroa 42

Best on Court sponsored by Café 41 – Molly Judge Coaches Award sponsored by Subway – Libby Ferguson

IT was a frosty start for a close match against the

Magpies on Saturday morning in Euroa.

It was a solid game for both sides, however Euroa’s fast pace helped them gain a lead.

Our two defenders, Jaspa Robinson and Molly Judge worked tirelessly to interrupt the Magpies’ possession of the ball.

Mid court players Ava Mahoney, Brianna Weight, and Remy Stevenson all made clear efforts and contributions to the gameplay, whilst the shooting team, Annie Thomson and Isabelle Byrne showed resilience against Euroa.

We also had a strong interchange of Eliza Doig and Libby Ferguson who both played in the mid court.

Shout out to Annie Thomson who scored a 92 per cent shooting accuracy.

All of the girls fought and played hard.

Well done Eagles.

B RESERVE BY CAROLINE TRENFIELD

Mansfield 23 def by Euroa 52 Best on Court sponsored by Joanne Holt – Alex Duncan Coaches Award sponsored by Steam Cafe – Caroline Trenfield

AFTER a week off due to Interleague all players were keen to get back out on the court.

Euroa came out strong and shot with incredible accuracy for most of the game.

Our team has depth with the girls having quite a bit of flexibility in positions that they are able to play and Saturday’s game enabled us to

try some new combinations.

Goalers Tiarne, Leonie and Steph worked well in the circle putting into practice what they’d been working on at training.

We had a variety of players running hard in the mid court with Eliza, Sophie and Annie working hard up and down the court. Alex D had a great game, being awarded and well deserving of Best On.

Abby, Caroline and Alex D showed versatility playing in centre court and defence.

We came away winning the fourth quarter, we continue to train hard and will keep working hard to get our first win, hopefully soon.

B Grade by Cassie Dolling Mansfield 25 def by Euroa 78

Best on Court sponsored by Alpine Home – Belle Edwards Coaches Award sponsored by O’Malley Pizza – Cassie Dolling

The B Grade girls headed over to Euroa on Saturday to face the Pies knowing it would be a hard match against the top team. Despite this spirits were high, all the girls were getting around each other and there was extra excitement with it being Belle Edward’s 50th game for the club

The team started out strong with the defenders getting quick intercepts and trying to turn over the ball, the midcourters worked tirelessly to get the ball down the court to the goalers who were working hard to put up shots against the pies top defence.

All the girls persisted but ultimately Euroa was the

HOOT: agles’

akes im

better side with the final score being 25-78.

The team will be looking to train hard over the bye to fight for a better score against Rochester in the coming weeks.

A GRADE BY ALEX BALL

Mansfield 33 def by Euroa 74

Best on Court sponsored by Mansfield Foodworks- Amy Dixon-Rielly

Coaches Award sponsored by Byrne Seeds – Grace Amarant

A TOUGH hit out for the a grade team against a welldrilled Euroa.

The Eagles had a really solid start and tightly contested first quarter.

Darcy Croxford-Demasi was giving the Euroa midcourt something to think about, shutting down multiple options and Molly Rekers kept their defenders busy with her height and strong holds.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t Eagles’ day, with Euroa pulling away for the remainder of the game.

Our defenders Nelle

Cousins and Tilly Lang really made Euroa work for every goal, putting on a lot of pressure and making sure the feeds had to be centimetre perfect and Sophie CarrPaterson and Amy DixonRielly connected beautifully in WA and GA to show some brilliant patches.

The girls will regroup from this and know that if they can put out a more consistent performance they will have a stronger contest next time.

Looking forward to a good hit out at home against Rochester next.

Soft fairways and spectacular wins

MENS GOLF

By ROD SARGENT

IT has been fantastic to have 60mm of rain on the course this week which has softened the fairways up nicely.

Tuesday we had a fun day playing a Gentsomes pairs round.

Both players tee off and you pick the best drive, then you play individual Stableford from there every hole.

Brad Grant and Taki Murakami obviously enjoyed it, as they won the day with a score of 82 points combined.

Second place was Steven Shinns and Brendan Egan, 78

points and third place was Mick Patti and Bob Speed with 78 points also.

Thursday we had the usual Stableford with 50 entries in the field, and some very good scores.

Charlie Heath was the winner of B Grade with a great score of 40 points, second was Peter Sargeant with 39 points and Daryl Horwood came third with 38 points.

A Grade was won by Brad Grant again, backing up from Tuesday, with 39 points, second was John Koraus on 38 points and third place went to Martin Slack with 35 points.

John Saggers also had a good day, picking up three

NTPs.

The Rabbits for the day were Phil Conway and Adam Holt.

Saturday was a small field of 39 players, for a game of Stableford.

David Kirley had a fantastic day, scoring 43 points, and winning in a canter.

Second place went to James Octigan with 39 points, on a countback from Steve Chisolm also on 39 points. We are looking forward to a busy Kings Birthday weekend coming up, the course will be busy most days, so make sure you book a time slot and enjoy your golf. Happy hitting.

SHOOT: Eagles’ Molly Rekers takes aim.

ON THE ATTACK: Alexandra Ball was on fire.

UNSTOPPABLE: Amy Dixon-Rielly kept defenders busy. PHOTOS: Dale Mann

Eagles show determination against strong Echuca side

By ANT FOUBISTER

SITTING atop the Northern country women’s league ladder for the last few years has been Echuca.

They have, over these years had time to develop their fundamental skills and playing style throughout their team, so it was good to be able to see their example. It was also great to be competitive against them which is no easy feat on their home ground where they beat us 32 points to 12. We did, however display

unmatched speed and spirit that will have the opposition more than wary when we meet again.

Our on ball players applied themselves really well and for a lot of the game either Vic, Cat, Paige or Asha were beneath every contest if not tearing away from it and Amy was intercepting every kick Echuca made forward when the Eagles could put enough pressure on them to kick it quickly.

The Echuca wingers are really good and are well practiced at linking with

their onballers which highlights just how good Maddi and Hanna’s games were in curtailing this and winning the ball themselves.

In the backline, also against the best opponents they’ve faced all year Jane and Sam played exceptionally well which we are coming to expect, but what was also particularly great to see in the back line was the way Emily and Lexi played.

If these two-keep bringing along the best parts of their games whilst their fundamental skills continue to

develop it will be hard to encourage an opposition team to play against them next year.

An advantage of Echuca’s maturity as a team is that they are strong in every aspect particularly their defense, which is particularly miserly.

This makes the games Mim and Phoebe played all the more impressive.

Phoebe is one of our best trainers and shows awesome determination and persistence and you just can’t keep that sort of approach down.

And Mim just shouldn’t be able to do half the stuff she does do after half a dozen games but we’ll accept this.

Being welcomed for her first game of the year, and ever, was Trinity Knight who had a go at both ends of the ground.

Congratulations Trinity and as always doing whatever needed doing on either side of the white line was fantastic Susan McCormick.

Thanks Susan and thanks also to Peta Donnell for making the long trip to keep the

Eagles first aided and save Echuca girls and bring along Cam Lachal to do the running, Thanks Dani for team managing and Rohan Berriman as always sharp eyed, keeping score behind the goals.

All the Eagles players are already eager for another crack at Echuca which comes around on our patch on July 14.

Right now though the next focus is Nagambie in Nagambie next Friday. Don’t miss the bus for this one and go Eagles!

WINNERS AND LOSERS

GOULBURN VALLEY SENIORS LADDER

SENIORS SCOREBOARD

SHEPP SWANS 3.0 6.4 8.5 11.10.76

GOALS: SHEPPARTON SWANS: Ben Gilberto 2, James Auld 1, Zac Clohesy 1, Tyreece Collison 1, Joeve Cooper 1, Will Dwyer 1, Matt Perry 1, Steele Simpson 1, Jack Threlfall 1. KYABRAM: Anthony Depasquale 5, Kaine Herbert 5, Mitchell Dodos 2. BEST: SHEPPARTON SWANS: Max Clohesy, Zac Alderton, Zac Clohesy, Will Dwyer, Joeve Cooper. KYABRAM: Jason Morgan, Anthony Depasquale, Aidan Robinson, kaine herbert, Brad Whitford.

TATURA 0.0 2.4 3.5 4.5.29 SHEPPARTON

GOALS: TATURA: Mitch Heywood 2, Jhdara Jones 1, Tim Wilson 1. SHEPPARTON: Trent Herbert 5, Jhett Cooper 4, Luke Smith 4, Jacob Watts 3, Joel Brett 2, Liam Duguid 2, Lewis McShane 1.

BEST: TATURA: Tim Wilson, Curtis Ryan, Comanche Walls, Mitchell Elliott, Andrew Ciavarella. SHEPPARTON: Ashley Holland, Jhett Cooper, Tyler Larkin, Jacob Watts, Trent Herbert.

NETBALL SCORES

A Grade: Shepparton Swans 70 def Kyabram 33

Tatura 54 def Shepparton 44

Shepparton United 26 def by Mooroopna 34

Benalla 29 def by Echuca 45

Seymour 59 def Rochester 44

Euroa 74 def Mansfield 33

B Grade: Shepp Swans 61 def Kyabram 42

Tatura 34 def by Shepparton 58

Shepp United 32 def by Mooroopna 45

Benalla 29 def by Echuca 50

Seymour 46 def Rochester 41

Euroa 78 def Mansfield 25

B Reserve: Shepp Swans 43 def Kyabram 39

Tatura 28 def by Shepparton 47

Shepp United 38 def Mooroopna 33

Benalla 52 def Echuca 46

Seymour 56 def Rochester 31

Euroa 52 def Mansfield 23

17 & Under: Shepp Swans 58 def Kyabram 37

Tatura 18 def by Shepparton 61

Shepparton United 31 def by Mooroopna 51

Benalla 25 def by Echuca 55

Seymour 24 def by Rochester 45

Euroa 42 def Mansfield 34

15 & Under: Shepp Swans 42 def Kyabram 34

Tatura 35 def Shepparton 34

Shepparton United 24 def by Mooroopna 37

Benalla 22 def by Echuca 43

ROUND 9

SATURDAY, JUNE 8

KINGS BIRTHDAYWEEKEND

Tatura vs Echuca

Shepparton vs Kyabram

Rochester vs Shepparton

United

Benalla vs Shepparton Swans Euroa vs Seymour

GOALS: SHEPPARTON UNITED: Edward Adams 4, Liam Serra 3, Will McCartney 2, Kale Gibson 1, Mitchell Trevaskis 1. MOOROOPNA: Angus Hanrahan 2, Kobie Issell 2, Daniel Johnston 2, Darcy Russell 2, Jack Brooks 1, Logan Campbell 1, Bayden Fallon 1, Coby James 1, Coby Mccarthy 1, Jed Woods 1. BEST: SHEPPARTON UNITED: No best players have been selected. MOOROOPNA: No best players have been selected.

BENALLA 1.1 4.3 4.4 5.5.35 ECHUCA 4.9 5.13 12.17 19.22.136

GOALS: BENALLA: Wade King 2, Nicholas Brazil 1, Tyler McGregor 1, Nick Mellington 1. ECHUCA: Hugh Byrne 3, Callum Parsons 3, Liam Tenace 3, Jack Evans 2, Will Monahan 2, Samuel Reid 2, Corbin Anderson 1, Noah Langborne 1, Jack Mchale 1, Riley Smith 1. BEST: BENALLA: Wade King, Jarrad Waite, Jordan Wolff, Nick Mellington, James Martiniello. ECHUCA: Kane Morris, Jack Mchale, Samuel Reid, Jack Evans, Callum Parsons.

GOALS: SEYMOUR : Riley Mason 2, Tyler Clarke 1, Thomas Davey 1, Cooper Lubeck 1, Lewis Lubeck 1, Max McLean 1, Ricky Schraven 1. ROCHESTER: James McPhee 2, Mitchell Trewhella 2, Bailey Wileman 2, Wil Hamilton 1, Adam McPhee 1. BEST: SEYMOUR : Seamus Feery, Dylan Scopel, Thomas Martin, Tayte Lewis, Nathan Fowler. ROCHESTER: Mitchell Trewhella, Dylan Gordon, Wil Hamilton, Bailey Wileman, James McPhee.

3.6 5.9 7.11 9.14.68 MANSFIELD 3.2 8.8 10.12

GOALS: EUROA: Will Hayes 2, Jacob Gleeson 1, Jayden Gleeson 1, Max Gleeson 1, Ryan Hill 1, Andrew Smith 1, Nathan Stewart 1, Jett Trotter 1. MANSFIELD: Nathan Buchanan 4, Billy Hogan 4, Patrick Marks 2, Jayden Howes 1, Ben Les 1, Brett Mahoney 1, Riley Northcott 1, Benjamin Reardon 1. BEST: EUROA: Will Hayes, Jett Trotter, Keily Jager, Nic Burke, Michael Barnes. MANSFIELD: Nathan Buchanan, Billy Hogan, Brett Mahoney, Tom Gardiner, Patrick Marks.

F TY TIPPING COMPETITION

Terip holds top position in tennis

By RHONDA CARPENTER

THICK fog shrouded the courts in Mansfield for the start of both matches last Monday week.

Terip and Benalla hosted Seven Creeks and Euroa for a sunnier start.

Players, initially reluctant to leave the warmth of the clubhouse, ventured out and the sun eventually peeped through.

By midday blue skies became the backdrop for another glorious day of tennis.

Wappan and Moglonemby worked hard all day in the typically extended contest the Moglonemby women are renowned for.

Wappan’s Rhonda Carpenter and Kimberley Marsden, playing her first match in the competition, found their range together, winning 8-2 against Mary Kelly and Lyn Johnston.

Wappan’s Anna Speirs and Jenny Bell enjoyed a much longer tussle of baseline hitting against Judy Sands and Marlene Hanrahan who took the set 8-6.

Fun and frivolity filled the contest and Wappan took the next two sets 8-3 and 8-5, but Moglonemby won the next 8-3.

Finishing long after others had left the court, the final lengthy set ultimately went Wappan’s way 8-4 for the win 4/41 to 2/30.

In the other match, a home derby between Delatite and Mansfield, Michelle Pigdon, Keira McDonagh, Sophie Yencken and Clare Beecham were victorious 6/48 to 0/20.

Michelle and Karyn battled it out in hard hitting rallies against each other with Mansfield coming out on top.

Delatite had included Natalie Bergsma into their side, and she gained confidence with low fast drives, and with partner Deb McCormack took their set to a tiebreak.

Despite a calf injury Keira battled through successfully completing all her sets.

Over in Benalla, Euroa’s Chris Ellis, Faye Mollison, Lyndall

Marlene Hanrahan, Lyn Johnston, Judy Sands and Mary Kelly.

PHOTO: Rhonda Carpenter

Kate Campbell, Wendy Maxwell, Helen Checucti, Claire Sharp. PHOTO:Mary Dewis

Bigland, Jenny Tehan and Ruth Nolan put on a master class against Benalla’s Kate Campbell, Claire Sharp, Helen Checucti and Wendy Maxwell defeating them 5/47 to 1/26. Terip took all the sets against

Susan Kinloch goes oh so close

LADIES GOLF

By MARION MITCHELL

APART from the competition winners, the excitement for this week’s golf was the “oh so close nearly hole in one” for Susan Kinloch on the seventh hole. One more roll and it would have been in.

Not many of us have achieved anything near Susan’s shot let alone a whole in one.

Is it commiserations or well done? Either one.

On Tuesday, Wendy Hunt yet again came out on top.

Losing count of your Tuesday wins Wendy.

A lovely 20 points off the gold tees with Jenny Koraus close on her heels with 19 on a countback from Pam Abbott.

Only 18 ladies played on Wednesday.

Perhaps because it was a Par competition.

Lesley Anderson, Sam Bailey and Tracey Gravenall all played to their handicaps.

All coming in square but Lesley taking the win on countbacks.

Line balls went to Marion Mitchell, Susan Kinloch and Kylie Egan.

Nearest the pins were Jenny Koraus on third, Susan Kinloch of course on seventh and Lorraine Wilson with a great shot on 16th.

After the rain on Friday, the bunkers were out of play for Saturday’s Stableford which pleased a few ladies.

Shirley Nolan was best in the field with 34 points.

Second was Marion Sargeant on a countback from Kylie Egan with 31.

Line ball to Marion Mitchell 30 points on a countback.

Nearest the pins were Millie Cumming on third and Lyn Poulson on 16th.

The North East District Ladies Championships will be played at Bright next week over three days.

Good luck to all who are playing.

CLOSE ATTEMPT: Susan Kinloch’s nearly hole in one on 7th.

PHOTO:Marion Mitchell

DREAM TEAM: Delatite’s Karyn Fraser, Pat Howard, Loretta Armitage, Deb McCormack, Deb Mims, and Natalie Bergsma.

PHOTO: Rhonda Carpenter

GOOD GAME: Delatite’s Loretta Armitage and Pat Howard shake hands with Mansfield’s Sophie Yencken and Michelle Pigdon. PHOTO: Karyn Fraser

BENALLA:

MANSFIELD: Michelle Pigdon, Sophie Yencken, Keira McDonagh, Clare Beecham.

PHOTO: Rhonda Carpenter

MOGLONEMBY:

WAPPAN: Rhonda Carpenter, Kimberley Marsden, Anna Speirs, and Jenny Bell. PHOTO: Marlene Hanrahan

Seven Creeks 6/48 to 0/20 cementing their top spot with 51 points. Ladder: Terip 51, Euroa 40, Seven Creeks 40, Benalla 36, Mansfield 35, Creighton’s Creek 30, Wappan 27, Moglonemby 19, and Delatite two.

Bombers extend winning streak

Eagles snatch Cup

By TRINITY KNIGHT

ON Saturday at the Euroa Memorial Oval, the Mansfield Eagles Seniors won the annual Standpipe Cup in a battle against the Euroa Magpies.

In the first term, Euroa swooped in front with three goals and six points, but in the second the Eagles built up their momentum scoring five goals and another two in the third.

In the final term, the Eagles came away with a 35 point win, final scores 15.13 (103) over 9.14 (68).

Head coach of the Eagles Jack Hutchins said the contest was an arm wrestle, but they were able to utilise their strengths and the width of the ground at Euroa to get ahead.

“Euroa are quite a momentum building side and the Eagles were able to run the storm and capitalise through it,” said Hutchins.

Best for Mansfield were Brett Mahoney who kicked one goal as well as Jayden Howes and Billy Hogan.

“Brett Mahoney in the middle was fantastic, he came in like a fine wine, and just keeps getting better and better with the more he puts into it, and I know he certainly threw Euroa off with his contested footy,” said Hutchins.

“Jayden Howes was great, and we had Billy Hogan who kicked four goals.

“He was a real presence with the loss of Ben Christopher now he’s going to be super for us moving forwards.”

The Eagles will have a bye

next week and then a home game against Rochester the following week.

“Rochester have had a really good run, they’ve knocked off Echuca and all the top six teams,” said Hutchins.

“We will use this bye to make sure all our bodies are right and ready to go.”

The Mansfield Eagles U18s soared to a win with 9.10 (64) over Euroa 5.5 (35).

The Mansfield Eagles Reserves were defeated by Euroa 8.8 (56) to 8.5 (53).

VICTORS: The Mansfield Eagles won the annual Standpipe Cup in their battle against Euroa.